After losing her mom earlier this year, 24-year-old Velma Solo of Waianae stepped into the full-time role of a stay-at-home mother for her two nephews.

Solo’s mom, who was taking care of the young boys, was diagnosed with kidney, heart and lung failure last year. Solo quit her job to care for her mother, who died in March from a heart attack.

“It’s been really hard,” Solo said. “Like nobody can get over the fact that she’s gone.”

Now, she’s taking care of Vilimaa, 7, and Zhaytus, 5, who have been living with the family since they were a few months old. Solo said Zhaytus was with his grandmother when she suffered her heart attack and is having a hard time processing the event and its aftermath.

HOW TO HELP

Approximately 775 families are participating in Adopt A Family this year, and you can help by making a donation to the Good Neighbor Fund. To donate to the Solo family in particular, use the Family Code: OOOK-31. >> At the bank: Donations accepted at First Hawaiian Bank locations through Dec. 31.

>> Online: HelpingHandsHawaii.org and click on “donate now” button to make a gift via PayPal. Specify “Good Neighbor Fund.”

>> By mail: Send check payable to “Good Neighbor Fund” to Helping Hands Hawaii, 2100 N. Nimitz Highway, Honolulu, HI 96819. Attention: Good Neighbor Fund.

>> Donations of goods: Drop off at the address above.

>> Call: 440-3800

Solo said she still has to remind the two boys that “Grandma” is not coming home.

“As much as I remind them, they still think that she’s in the hospital,” Solo said. “So they keep telling me, ‘Oh, when is Grandma coming home? We miss her.’”

She said it’s been a tough year for the family. Her father, Savaliga Solo, makes a living as a landscaper and lost his younger brother one week after his wife died.

Despite their sadness and grief, Solo is planning to carry on at least one family holiday tradition: choosing a color theme for their decorations. And this year, it’s going to be dedicated to her mother.

“So this Christmas, since she’s not gonna be here, it’s gonna be purple because that’s her favorite color,” Solo said.

Although they are coping with the loss of a vital part of their family, Solo wants the boys to have a good Christmas.

When she asked Vilimaa what he wanted for Christmas, he had one heart-breaking request: “I just wanna see Grandma.”

Family

Dad Savaliga, 60; daughter Velma, 24; grandson Vilimaa, 7; grandson Zhaytus, 5.

GOOD NEIGHBOR FUND TALLY >> Chauncey Ching: $1,000

>> Sandra K. Toorinjian: $500

>> In memory of Harriet C. Kam: $200

>> In loving memory of Ric and Frances: $200

>> Arthur L. Mori: $200

>> Stephen S.F. Choy & Canossa I. Man Choy: $200

>> Dana B. Barbata: $100

>> Dawn Shinsato: $100

>> David S.C. & Laura L. Tosi Chu: $100

>> Dudley K. & Sheila A. Makahanaloa: $100

>> Glenn I. & Yvonne M. Awaya: $100

>> Irene M. Punohu & Ima Okubo: $100

>> Maria Charolette D. & Arthur C. Quitevis: $100

>> Melvin T. & Darlene K. Kutara: $100

>> Michael D. & Yvonne M. Nakata: $100

>> Daniel Y. Taba: $40

>> In loving memory of Dr. Fugate, Mary Ann, Christopher & Colin Carty: $25

>> Debra L. Abergas: $25

>> Anonymous: $500

>> Star-Advertiser By Request recipe donations: $3,202 Grand total: $6,992

Wish list

>> For Velma: Shirts (XL), pants (16), shoes (12), gift card

>> For Savaliga: Shirts (4X), pants (40-42), shoes (12), gift card

>> For Vilimaa: Shirts (14/16), pants (16), shoes (6), toys

>> For Zhaytus: Shirts (7), pants (7), shoes (12), toys

Sticking with family

“Just us four, it’s just gonna be us,” said Solo, as she thought about Christmas.

She said she is hoping to get legal custody of her nephews next year.

“Everybody thinks I’m crazy because I’m so young, but I told them I would rather them be with me than somebody else,” Solo said.

Her devotion to keeping their family together has become stronger than ever after everything that has happened this year.

“Cherish every moment,” Solo said.