The Citymeals Blog

As Mother’s Day approaches, I can’t help but think of my mom… her brilliant mind, endless creativity, and, most of all, her strength.

But my thoughts also turn to the more than 18,000 frail aged New Yorkers Citymeals nourishes – 66% of whom are women. These women spent years caring for others. They are strong and loving, but they’ve also come to count on Citymeals.

One incredibly resilient woman that comes to mind is Citymeals recipient Dora. At 95, her vision is deteriorating rapidly. Her Dumbo apartment, overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge, provides picturesque views of the skyline. Sadly, those buildings are merely vague shapes to Dora.

With her fading eyesight, Dora feels her world shrinking. It has grown even smaller with the loss of her support network – her long-time companion, Raphael, passed away several years ago, followed closely by her only son.

While Dora has grown used to her increased isolation, that hasn’t made it any easier. Homebound and increasingly vulnerable, she would be lost without Citymeals.

And so, Mother’s Day is bittersweet for me. I look forward to spending the special day with my husband and FaceTiming my children. But I’ll also be thinking of older women like Dora, who no longer celebrate the special day with loved ones and friends.

I’m proud to know that Citymeals will step in as Dora’s family on Sunday. Aside from delivering her a freshly-prepared meal, we’ll also be providing Dora with the reassurance that she isn’t forgotten.