From the depths of despair to the heights of Mount Everest, Louisa Zondo’s journey through grief is a powerful testament to the human spirit. In her book, Dearest MaRiky: A Mother’s Journey through Grief,Trauma and Healing, Louisa tells the story of her life and the tragedy that threatened to break her. Twenty-five days after her son’s death by suicide, she embarked on an expedition to Mount Everest Base Camp, seeking solace and clarity amidst the mountains.
Through a series of letters to her cherished son and much-loved music star, Riky Rick, Louisa confronts her grief head-on, delving into the trauma of her past and finding the words to express the pain of losing her son. But this is not just a story of loss. It is a story of resilience, of a mother’s unwavering love, and of a determination to honour her son’s legacy by caring for others, especially the youth of South Africa.