GoodBye Mom
COVID-19 has robbed me from saying goodbye to my mother one last time.
These were the words of an emotional Makarita Balenadogo who farewelled her mother over Facebook live stream.
Her mother was laid to final rest at the Nasinu 9 Miles Cemetery on Saturday, July 3, 2021.
Ms Balenadogo is a Lab supervisor at the Labasa Hospital.
Together with her brother who lives in France, Dan Balenadogo, they could only wish to attend their mother’s funeral and honor her at a lovely celebration of life.
“My mother was my mentor, my advisor, my friend and a shoulder to lean on. She taught me what unconditional love looked and felt like. She loved being around people and used each chapter of her life to help them in different ways,” the emotional Ms Balenadogo said.
“COVID-19 has robbed me of precious time with my loved ones, of my ability to grieve and celebrate their lives.
“I witnessed the thanksgiving service and burial of my dear mum through Live Streaming.
“I know many have lost brothers, mothers, sisters and children and can only watch from a distance, and yet there are a handful who still doubt COVID and vaccination.
“The harsh reality of life with COVID-19 is something everyone needs to accept before it is too late.”
She said the last video calls she had with her mother would be forever cherished.
Get Vaccinated
“I don’t want anyone to go through this and my advice for them is to get vaccinated so that they can at least get protection and adhere to the advisories by the Ministry of Health so that everything will get better,” she said.
“It is tough especially when few of my staff have their significant other in Viti Levu and they have been away from each other for more than two months.
“Everyone is suffering and they are tired, and I hope that everyone will adhere so that we can also visit families we have not been able to visit.
“It is just a handful of people who are not following the rules and causing a lot of problems.
“Please stay home and follow the COVID rules.”
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