The Short Story
Mama, as we affectionately call my grandmother, is 104-year old and has always been full of life and laughs. For her 100th birthday, she was strong, laughing and dancing the night away. That was the last time I saw her and it was magical ✨
With me now living in Australia, I miss a lot back home in the US. Like when Mama had a stroke a couple of years ago or needed life-saving surgery earlier this year. She knows I'm close to her in spirit but I'd love to surprise her in real life. I don't take asking for help lightly but would you help me make it possible?
You can donate here or support by sharing this GoFundMe or even the article I wrote about the lessons I've learned from her 104 years of wisdom.
The Long Story (for those of us who love details)
Mama recently turned 104 and asked (as she always does) when I’m coming to see her again. I'm sure she can feel my smile through the phone when I promise "soon." Living on the other side of the world makes it hard. But it's been four years and time is getting more precious. My goal is to raise and save enough to surprise her this year.
But who is Mama? Our family's matriarch. A fighter. A source of light.
She cooks everything from scratch. Grows her own herbs and veggies. Tells us to keep our heads to our lesson, showed us to be kind, and enjoys everything in moderation. What stands out most, however, is her presence.
The way she listens. The way she laughs. The way her food always feels like home. The way she looks at you with love.
Mama had a stroke a few years ago and lost lost movement on one side of her body. At her age, most people would have accepted that as the end of the story. She didn’t because she's a fighter. She started doing her rehab, determined to get her body moving again. Recently, my aunt (who is in her 80s herself and now cares for Mama full time) sent me a video of her doing just that: moving, fighting, living life.
That scene stays with me.
The last time I had meaningful time with Mama was four years ago, before the stroke, when I flew home from Australia for her 100th birthday. That night, she stayed out until late, laughing and dancing with us like she hadn't just turned a century old. She's not one to miss the fun or the time with her family. I don't want to either.
Lately, the distance has felt heavier than usual. 10,000 miles feels like 10,000 pounds. So I shared a photo of her online so that my small community could feel her presence as I long to. To my surprise, over 25,000 people responded! I had complete strangers from all over the world, celebrating her, asking about her, sharing their own reflections.
As I read through those messages, I kept thinking how much she would love them. How I wish I could sit at her feet and read them to her, one by one. She loves receiving her flowers.
I had hoped to make it home for Mother’s Day this May. But the cost of traveling from Australia to the US stopped me, despite my best efforts. Now I'm asking you, friends and strangers alike.
If you feel moved to contribute, every dollar helps me to get home to her. To sit with her, hold her hand, and read her your words.
If I raise more than I need, anything extra will go toward giving Mama her flowers — something for the woman who has spent over a century pouring into everyone around her.
If you’re not able to give, sharing this would mean just as much.
Growing up, she'd always say “keep your head to your lesson.” And I’m trying to do just that, Mama. Will you help me?