Ten years ago, when I first arrived in California, I met Grandma Pat while beginning a relationship with her son, Michael. As a single mother of three daughters, I was quietly afraid of not being accepted.

Instead, I was met with genuine love, deep affection, and a sincere curiosity about who my daughters and I were.

That day, we went on a picnic, and from the very beginning, Grandma Pat welcomed me and my daughters as if we had always belonged. To this day—aside from my own mother—I don’t think I’ve ever met someone with a heart as open and loving as hers.

She showed her care in the most selfless ways. She would often cook meals for us knowing we worked long hours. When her health no longer allowed her to cook, she would send us Jollibee—or send money so we could buy it ourselves—still finding ways to give, to nurture, to love.

What stood out most was how deeply her kindness extended to her children. Her love wasn’t quiet or hidden—it was visible, constant, and intentional. She instilled this same love in them, and even now, her energy lives on through her children.

As you can imagine, this is an incredibly painful time for the Manuel family. Her children—Rainier, Michael, and Lauren—along with her partner, Rod, are grieving a loss that words can’t fully capture.

I am asking, humbly, for donations of any amount to help ease the financial burden during this time, so the family can focus on grieving, supporting one another, and being together in the coming weeks—without the weight of financial stress adding to their heartbreak.

But more than anything, I ask that you please keep them in your prayers. I also ask that you take a moment today to hug your loved ones a little tighter. Life is so short and we must never take a day for granted.

May we all learn to move through this world with the same love, kindness, understanding, and forgiveness that Grandma Pat showed so effortlessly.