https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/corona-virus?episodeguid=2cacf699-9d94-4e87-ac38-ac8e00340818&fbclid=IwAR2SsRQpZY5-YtV9keZWtMibgrGl9h9-ov_aGaI3mCR8P4-NAZGwfK82m0c



Thank you CNN, Tita Gertrude, and Tita Jollene  for taking the time to talk about Filipino nurses, and especially my Mom.

Reading articles about my Mom was difficult but this podcast was more emotional for me to hear. Thank you so much, Tita Gertrude for being great friends with my Mom since she was 20 years old and all of your kind words you said of her. I know my Mom cherished your friendship with all her heart

The week my Mom was in ICU was definitely the hardest for all of us. I hated that I couldn’t be by her side. The only time I was able to...was when her Doctor said since she was critical. I was only permitted to sit on the other end of her glass door for 30 mins to an hour.

I am thankful for her two nurses that was there with me that day. They took the time to set up the phone system that connected me to her bedside phone to the front desk, which was right in front of her room. There, I played over 100 voicemails from family and friends.

This was Friday, the day her Doctors told me she wouldn’t make it through the night, the same day we admitted both of my sisters into the same hospital for COVID as well.

All three were hospitalized for Saturday and then Sunday. My sisters were discharged Sunday to quarantine at home in order to make space for other COVID patients who were critical.

30 mins later...my Mom had found peace.

It has been about 9 and a half months since my Mom became our Purple Guardian Angel, but that week at the end of March still plays in my head and the emotions from that week still feel like it was yesterday.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of my Mom’s favorite holidays (well all the holidays are her favorite because it is time with family) and it definitely has been the most difficult. I know my Mom would want us to continue to be happy and enjoy each moment of life like the way she has, and we have, but it definitely has been the most emotional year.

We miss you so dearly, Mom  and you have and will always be...THE LIFE OF THE PARTY

Every year, my Mom always enjoyed celebrating her special day with family and friends. Most of her birthdays were spent at her favorite place, Disneyland. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, we were unable to celebrate at her favorite place. But for her next birthday, I hope to celebrate her at Disneyland. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mom. I should’ve posted here on your birthday but it was a difficult time for me but we still celebrated you with purple balloons filled with our personal messages and tied them to the fence of your house. At night, we were able to add candles and remember the happy memories you have left behind. I love you, Mom, forever and always 

Tonight, our baby of 16 years has joined you, Mom, and we know you’re going to take care of her. We’re hurting now but know she is there with you. Our spoiled baby will continue to be spoiled by you and the many Angels there with you. We love you, Pearl, and we love you forever, Mom 2020 has been difficult and heartbreaking for us but your love and joy will continue

Thank you Mom for giving me the best 29 years. I wish it was more but thank you for being my #1 fan and supporter throughout many chapters in my life. I couldn’t have got this far if it wasn’t for you. You will forever be my hero and my greatest fan. 

Everything I do, I do for you, Mom. I miss and love you so much!

On May 22, 2020, Mayor of LA, Eric Garcetti, gave a tribute to honor my Mom during his briefing. It was beautiful and really described my mother and who she was. She definitely will be remembered for all the love, care, and smiles she has shared with many of us. 

Thank you Mayor Garcetti and many others who have contributed to this tribute to my Mom. It really meant a lot to my family, friends, and myself.

Rosary was one of the hardest working and caring individuals Mercy and I have ever met.  We met 30 years ago at St. Charles Borromeo Church through a mutual friend, Fae Henson.  Her twins, Tatiana and Trisha, went to school with our daughter Jessica.  She was a great mother working hard to give her family (including Tiffany, her eldest daughter and husband Mario) a better life.  At one point in time, she wanted her twins to attend one of the top public schools in Los Angeles, Carpenter Community Charter School.  We had a friend who managed an apartment complex right across the street from the school and Rosary moved there to make that happen.  Both Mercy and I were blown away by her devotion. Later the family moved to Valencia, we soon followed and stayed in touch.  Rosary would stop by from time to time to keep in touch and update us on her hectic work schedule at both Cedars Sinai and Henry Mayo.  The lady had an incredible can-do attitude.  Also she never missed stopping by around Christmas time to deliver a card and good wishes. The last party we had together was when she and Rosalie held their 60th birthday at the Odyssey.  It was amazing to meet old friends from St. Charles brought together by Rosary. We were absolutely shocked by the news of her passing. We have lost an incredibly beautiful soul. Rest In Peace, Rosary. We will never forget you.

Love from John, Mercy & Jessica Murphy 

I titled this as Tiffs mom... for years that is what i called her ... Tiffs mom.. for those who dont know.. im am Tiffany's ex boyfriend.  The thing is, when life is passing you by, you dont have time to hold grudges. I think me and Tiffany found this out very early on.  We are great friends to this day.  I will always have her back.. and i will always have love for the Olega/Castro family. That is why Tiffs mom passing away hurt deeply and almost seems unreal.  Tiffs mom helped me out in so many ways.  She messaged me on my birthday.  It was on March 21 and if i would have known that just 8 days later she would pass.. i would have said more than just Thank you.  I would have said how much of an inspiration she has been on all the people she is around.  I dont think that anyone who doesnt know her know.. that she lived a great life.. going out to parties, basketball ball games, traveling to different places.  She was a great mother to not just her own daughters, but to other family members and friends.  She was strong women and i know her daughters will follow in her footsteps on that.  Tiffs Mom will always have a spot in mine and my family's heart.  We will forever miss you.. Tiffs Mom