Gina Salido, 45, faced an unimaginable challenge when COVID-19 claimed her husband, Luigi. The abrupt loss left her feeling adrift, thrust into the role of a single mother.
Reflecting on her experience, Gina recalled the moment she realized the weight of her new reality. "I never saw it coming — being a single mom. From day one of being a widow, the reality struck me right away. I immediately felt lost," she said.
In the initial days of her loss, Gina struggled to cope with her grief. She often questioned why fate had dealt her this hand, especially after already battling lupus. "How in the world can I go on?" she asked herself.
As time passed, Gina recognized that she had to prioritize her daughter, Cheska, who was just 10 years old at the time. Responsibilities like school bills and daily needs demanded her attention, leaving little room for her own sorrow.
Gina found strength in her daughter’s growth and the need to be both a mother and father figure. "Imagine being a mom and a dad at the same time. Despite my illness, I’m blessed to have a strong body," she noted.
Working multiple jobs became a necessity for Gina, but she viewed these challenges as opportunities for growth. "I had to be strong because my daughter needs me. She deserves a mother who can stand tall through it all," she expressed.
Although the pain of losing Luigi persists, Gina has learned to navigate her new life. While the tears have lessened, her determination to thrive remains unwavering. "I’m surviving. I’m thriving," she concluded.