Rona Fernandez is a writer, fundraising consultant and activist who lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is also an alumnus of the Voices/VONA workshop for writers of color.
Today is International Bereaved Mother’s Day, which was offically started in 2017 by a mother who lost her child. It takes place the first Sunday in May, one week before the ‘regular’ Mother’s Day in the United States. So, today is a day for mothers like me. I commemorate my motherhood on both days: Bereaved Mother’s … More My Two Mother’s Days
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted here, and that’s because I’ve been staying busy: writing, doing my fundraising consulting, doing my housing activist work. These past couple months, I’ve also been applying to various residencies, contests and such, and it’s felt so good to spend more time on my writing—and to have this investment of … More New Story + Patreon Page Live
I was fortunate this past March to be the featured guest on Dr. Melissa Ming Foynes excellent, helpful podcast, “The Science and Soul of Living Well”. Dr. Foynes found me via this web site and has been using my essay, “The Ritual” in some of the work she does with parents who have lost a … More Where Do You Put Your Grief?
My first published short story in several years is out right now, thanks to Apparition Lit. I struggle a lot with short forms, so I doubly appreciate their taking a chance on me and helping me polish up the story so that it is as shiny and clear as can be. There’s also an audio … More What Would You Give Up to Stay Together?
I’m proud to be featured in this diverse, at turns heartbreaking and heartwarming but always thought-provoking collection of essays published by UK-based magazine Postscript, “Motherhood Untold: Six Essays on Unconventional Motherhood.” In it you’ll find pieces by on teen motherhood, how race and migration affect mothering, even the taboo subject of regretting motherhood. I’m honored … More Hidden Stories of Motherhood
This month, October, is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month (PAIL) and today, October 15, is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, when a “Wave of Light” is lit all around the world at 7pm local time to honor and remember our little ones gone too soon. The women of color anthology that my essay … More Weaving Together the Threads of My Life
Perhaps more bitter than sweet. That’s how it feels to be featured in this groundbreaking anthology, What God is Honored Here? Writings on Miscarriage and Infant Loss by and for Native Women and Women of Color. It’s the first anthology of its kind in terms of gathering writing by women of color on this important topic, … More Bittersweet
Originally published on Medium. I have not been sleeping well lately. I’m not a good sleeper in general, especially when I’m stressed or emotional. I stay up on my phone, reading things, Facebooking, arranging my calendar, trying to assert control over my unruly life. Since reading the late Alex Tizon’s groundbreaking essay about the woman … More Lucky: My Reaction to Alex Tizon’s Essay on Eudocia Pulido
Excerpt from ‘The Waterfall’
San Miguel, northwest Philippines, 1934
I have seen him before, when he comes to my house with his father, the postman, to help deliver packages. His name is Arturo Viray, and when he sees me he always smiles. Today, at the market, it’s the way he walks—leaning forward a little, his hands behind his back—that catches my eye. That’s the way Father walked. When I look at him he smiles again, and I wish I could talk to him, but Placitas, our maid, is just ahead of me and she always tell me not to talk to boys.
… More Short Story: The Waterfall
I’m still reeling, as I know many people are, from the horrific, heartbreaking massacare of 49 people in Orlando, Florida last weekend. Many others have written and spoken more eloquently and knowledgeably than I ever could about the tragedy and how it’s affecting and will continue to affect the people who directly involved, as well as their friends, family and community. My heart in particular goes out to LGBTQQI everywhere, though I can’t understand the heartache and fear and pain this brings to you, but know that I stand with you and will do all I can to end homophobia in all its forms. … More When Surviving’s All You Can Do
Rona Fernandez 