It has been a little over two weeks that mom aka Rosa Balderrama, has transitioned to heaven.
As I am hearing family members personal stories, I am piecing together a woman who meant so much to anyone she has ever encountered.
To me, she was mom.
To everyone else, she was a generous and kind soul. Someone who genuinely cared and loved her family. If you weren’t related, she became your mom or Grandma while offering a plate of food and a warm embrace.
Rosa sacrificed so much of herself. She shared her strength and prayed for you. She sewed & hemmed your dresses and slacks. She was your babysitter. She was your cheerleader. She was your confidant. She was open-minded. She was a cool, classy, and graceful lady.
For the past few years I have cared for both of my parents full-time, gradually reducing my work hours to meet their needs. In August, I had to take leave entirely to be with them.
We applied for every public caregiving program we could find, but our family is just over the threshold to qualify for assistance like In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or other respite care. This left me to manage their care and expenses on my parents’ limited fixed incomes.
Now, as I continue caring for my dad—with the generous help of a dear friend who has put aside her own needs—the costs of my mom’s funeral, daily caregiving, and essential household bills are mounting quickly. I will not be able to return to work until I can find a remote position that allows me to stay home and care for my father. The financial strain is heavy and growing.
Anything you feel moved to give will first cover my mom’s funeral and memorial expenses then my dad’s ongoing care. If gifts go beyond those urgent needs, they will create a small cushion for the months ahead, giving me time to find sustainable remote work and keep my dad safe and supported.
Your kindness—through donations, prayers, or simply sharing this story—means more than words can express. Thank you for helping honor my mom’s memory and supporting us during this difficult season.
