Fiji Sun

‘Goodbye Mom’

■ Frontliner mourns online ■ Urges Fijians to get the jab

- WATI TALEBULA-NUKU SUVA

COsfa-NV has robbed me from saying goodbye to my mother one last timeK

qhese were the words of an emotional jakarita Balenadogo who farewelled her mother over Facebook live streamK

Her mother was laid to final rest at the kasinu V jiles Cemetery on

paturdayI guly PI OMONK

js Balenadogo is a iab supervisor at the iabasa eospitalK

qogether with her brother who lives in FranceI aan Balenadogo­I they could only wish to attend their mother’s funeral and honor her at a lovely celebratio­n of lifeK

“jy mother was my mentorI my advisorI my friend and a shoulder to lean onK phe 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.”

‘Get Vaccinated’

She said the last video calls she had with her mother would be forever cherished.

“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.”

 ?? Vakatauvat­a Rovuru. ?? An earlier photo of Makarita Balenadogo (left) with her late mother Lavenia
Vakatauvat­a Rovuru. An earlier photo of Makarita Balenadogo (left) with her late mother Lavenia
 ??  ??
 ??  ?? A screenshot of Makarita Balenadogo with her late mother Lavenia Vakatauvat­a Rovuru during a video call.
A screenshot of Makarita Balenadogo with her late mother Lavenia Vakatauvat­a Rovuru during a video call.

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