Story
Let me introduce my mom, Rosie. She is a co-owner, Front of House Manager, bartender, and the face of the Brookside Bar and Grill in Marine on St. Croix. Her life suddenly changed, and it all began Mother’s Day weekend. Working back-to-back open-closes, clocking out on Sunday (on Mother’s Day) with over 90 hours for the week. I was closing the bar that following Tuesday when my mom called and said she was going to the ER. So I rushed to clean up the bar and get to where my mother was because I was scared. My momma doesn’t like going to the doctor, so when she told me that, I knew immediately something was up.
Two weeks ago, on May 14th, Rosie had a heart attack and emergency heart surgery with no medical coverage due to a lapse in MNSURE. While she is working hard to sort that out, it takes time and no guarantees. In the meantime, she is supposed to be gentle with her body and be on restrictions, which I’m not sure my mom knows how to do. There are many appointments approaching that will need to be paid out of pocket and start 36 sessions of cardiac rehab.
A life of service is all my mom knows. She’s been serving, bartending, cooking, managing, and now owning, for 30 years. She raised us kids, 5 of us, with no help from our dad, slinging drinks. My mom is the hardest working person I know and always has been. While juggling raising kids, working 3-4 jobs, and going to college, Rosie was regarded as the Riveter by her peers. This is because she is the real-life Rosie the Riveter. Not being able to bartend right now or pick up a tray is hurting my mom more than just financially. I can see it in her eyes and behind her beautiful smile. I know she’s scared and won’t say it.
I am asking for your help during this difficult time of my mom’s while she recovers from her heart attack. She just lost 85-90% of her personal income due to her work restrictions and not bartending. Anything will be greatly appreciated and will be used to pay medical bills, regular bills, buy groceries, and help Rosie the Riveter rest.
With love and gratitude, I thank you for your generous support.
Thank you,
Rebekah
Organizers :
Rebekah Mansour is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Rosetta Peters.