Barbara Hernandez—known lovingly as "Gramz"—was my whole world, her health issues became evident when she started to lose balance and would fall, but she never let that stop her from caring for others. Every morning, she’d get up early to let the dogs out, and one day I found her on the concrete floor outside, where she had fallen and lay helpless for hours. That moment changed everything—I realized we had a problem and got her a Medic-Alert to keep her safe. But the healthcare system failed her, treating symptoms instead of the real issue. I took time off work to make sure she was comfortable, preparing her meals, getting her to appointments, bathing her, and eventually caring for her every need. By the time we found a new doctor, her strength was gone. She was diagnosed as anemic and needed a blood transfusion, but only after I insisted she be sent to the ER instead of waiting for more bureaucracy.

Not being able to work every day has created a major financial crisis, and I am falling embarrassingly short of covering mum’s final needs for rest. I need help with funeral service costs, burial, and other expenses. Mum was always the one to reach out and help others. Every day, I get a stack of mail from organizations she donated to, thanking her for her dedication and generosity—Mercy Corps, St. Jude, AMM, Children’s Hunger Relief, Catholic Relief Services, and Covenant House, Sheriffs Boystown, to name a few. Even when I found out how much she was giving away, she wouldn’t stop, driven by her devout Catholic faith. She attended church six days a week and volunteered to deliver bagels to shelters and anyone in need. Mum always said no one would miss her when she was gone, but she couldn’t have been more wrong. So many people benefited from her kindness and giving, and she will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

I miss our early morning coffee and conversations, her side-eye when she thought I was being cheeky, and the laughs we shared. Most of all, I’ll miss her never-ending belief in me—that I am good enough, strong enough, smart enough, and brave enough to always do the right thing. I am all that I am because of her. She is and will always be the wind beneath my wings. I pray she’s found comfort and peace in the Lord’s arms and is saving me a place up there alongside her loved ones. I’m sorry I couldn’t fix this, Mum. I love you and will treasure our memories forever.