Raising $7k to Fulfill Papi's Last Wish and to Support Mami

Raising $7,000 in funds to cover end of life expenses for my father/short term living expenses for my mother

Introduction

My father took his final breathe just a mere 3 weeks ago. It is with a profoundly broken heart I introduce myself to you. My name is aloe honeysuckle the 4th of 4 children born to parents from the Dominican Republic whom immigrated to New York City in the early 70s to live out their future. I am raising funds to cover end of life expenses on behalf of mi papi querido, for mami.

About papi:

Papi was such a cool outdoor cat, truly. He’s mostly known for that colgate smile of his, his enormous heart, his outstanding generosity, his impressive dancing, his playful jokes, and all that charm. I miss him. He was the type of person that everyone looked forward to seeing again. To say he was a fan favorite wouldn’t be saying enough. He was the comedic relief and life of any room, which is funny because he doesn’t even like attention yet he always had it. Thinking of this brings a tear and a smile- holding joy for his existence and holding grief for what is no longer.

According to mami, he was an exceptional husband. According to my siblings and I, he was an exceptional father. And according to people far and wide, their lives are exceptional simply from having known him. I’ve been learning a lot about papi from the stories people have been telling about him. He was the utmost beloved!

The love story:

The love story began in the Bronx during the 1970s. My parents first met at a doll making factory where they both worked at in their early 20s. Six months after meeting they vowed to spend the rest of their lives together in sickness and in health till death do them part-which they certainly did do. My parents spent about 50 years together dedicated and fully committed to their everyday love and life. Mami says the hardest part is not having him by her side anymore. She is now adjusting into an undesired new chapter without him.

The tragedy:

About two years ago he was diagnosed with an aggressive terminal brain tumor. He fought against the cancer. He felt that he still had so much life to live within him. For those that understand spanish, his exact words were “yo me siento como un muchachito, como un niño”. And so he fought- he underwent brain surgery to remove the tumor which granted him an extra year of life. Post surgery he received chemo and radiation treatments to prevent the cancer from returning. Despite his overall good standing health, his radiant spirit, and his commitment to the fight, the tumor did in fact return and withered him away from the love of his life. And away from us all.

End of life stage:

In summary, I heard about the return of his tumor in January. I flew out to NYC to care for him in February. He took his last breath the following month in March. It is now April. While I wait for my shock to thaw, I can very proudly admit that he was surrounded by sooo much immeasurable love and care, by soooo many. Sooo many showed up during his final days to offer final words, final moments, final kisses, final warm hand holds, final blessings. So many hearts are now broken.

Caring for him during his final days was nothing short of an honor. He was surrounded with love at the time of his final breath on March 21st @ 10:37pm. We washed his body clean and dressed him in fresh clothes as his final send off. His final wish is for us to take care of Mami and to spread his ashes back in his homeland, the Dominican Republic.

The need:

I’m raising $7,000 in funds to cover end of life expenses for my father and short term living expenses for my mother.

The funds will be going towards:

-fulfilling his dying wish which is to return his ashes back to his native homeland- the Dominican Republic.

-to cover cost of cremation

-to cover costs of airfares to/from DR

-to cover the cost of living expenses for my mother while she grieves and adjust to widowhood

Cost breakdown:

-rent

-bills

-food

-transportation

- therapy

-moving costs

-air fair

-misc