Nonoy's Grave Marker

I kept trying to figure out what to get my Mom for Christmas. I asked myself "What is the number one thing my Mom wants?" the tears came as instantaneously as the answer - My father's grave marker.

 

We unexpectedly lost my dad, Nonoy Chavez, on June 11, 2018. It was almost 4 years ago and I remember that day so vividly. I left for work and said "Bye Pa, I love you!" He said "Bye! I love you too!" And that was our last conversation. He died peacefully in his sleep shortly after.

 

Our family gathered to figure out how we were going to come up with the $20,000+ it would cost to put my dad to rest. My sister and I started a GoFundMe where we raised over $6000 and everyone who contributed to it has a special place in my heart. With everyone's contributions and all the donations during my dad's services, we were able to fund almost everything. The last piece was the grave marker. In 2018, the cost was a little under $1,500, now in 2021 with the increase in cost of bronze, the grave marker costs almost $6,000! (Inflation is crazy).

 

My mother and I have suffered significantly since my dad's passing physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and of course, monetarily. But we are no strangers to adversity. My Mom(Gilda) and I, along with my sister (Kristine) and nephew (Kristian) all have each other's back. We promised to struggle together and trust that our love will overcome all. Our family extends far beyond this and our love for our other siblings is also unconditional, but in this household it has always been me, my Mom, Dad, sister and nephew.

 

My mom has done her best to set aside money for this since my Dad's passing but unexpected financial hardships hit and they hit often. Like many others, I was laid off due to Covid. I spent a year and a half unemployed, waiting MONTHS to receive unemployment money and with no company even giving me an opportunity to interview for a job I was even overqualified for. My mom was the sole provider for us and I truly don't know how she did it. For the months I couldn't give my share of rent she never complained. She woke up at 5am, drove the same hour long commute she's driven for over 10 years, and even at 66 years old, my Mom worked overtime to provide for us. There are no words to describe a Mom like mine. She is the definition of unconditional love in the form of a human. She raised her children, my dad's children became her own and then she got pregnant post-menopause with me and gave birth to me at 40 years old! And here she is, a widow at 66 and she is stronger and loves harder than ever before.

 

My family and I will be okay. I'm not asking for anything more than the cost of the grave marker because I know we'll be okay. If you have the means of donating, I have no words to express my gratitude. You can donate here or via venmo, apple cash and zelle and I will confirm that you contributed to my Mom's best Christmas Gift - my dad's grave marker. And even if you don't have the means to donate, your kind words, your thoughts, your prayers, your shares of this post will all play a factor to being the last piece to complete my dad's resting place. I am grateful for everyone this reaches no matter what you choose to do.

 

Thank you so much & Happy Holidays.

 

I love you Pa, you took care of me and it's my turn to take care of you.