For Zoranique’s children, who lost their mother

On 1 March 2021, the world became a bit darker, as we lost a dear friend and colleague, Zoranique Osborne, to cervical cancer. She was a vibrant 31-year-old woman, full of life and laughter, eternally optimistic and seeing the best in each of us and focusing on the opportunities, rather than obstacles that life throws at us. For me as her friend and close colleague, goin back to the office to find her seat next to mine being empty, will be very difficult. In the past two years, going to the office was a delight, knowing she would be there with a smile and wonderful positive attitude. I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to experience that for 2 years almost every day. With her there, one did not need to turn on the light, she was the light.

As much as my other two colleagues (Megan and Phumlile) and I are struggling to cope and accept our new reality, the people that have lost the most and that will have to deal with this heartache forever, are her three small children, and her partner Ashley. As a mother of a child that is not yet 2, I can only imagine how she must have felt knowing that she will not be there to see her little ones grow up, ride that bike, start the first day of school, go to prom, go to university, find the right person, and perhaps marry and have children of their own one day. It is a heartbreaking reality to face.

This new reality brings with it other things to consider: all the responsibility, both emotional and financial is now just on Ashley's shoulders. While nothing that we do for our children is ever considered difficult or impossible, sometimes a little help comes in handy.

For this reason, I would like to ask for your help in making sure that Ashley does not have to worry about children's expenses, at least not during these early days after her passing, but can focus on the emotional healing for both himself and the children. Whatever contribution you make, however big or small, I thank you. I am sure Zoranique is thanking you from heavens above as well, knowing that there are still good people out there that want to help.

Sincerely,

Nusa