Angela Mullins has been a mainstay for her 14-year-old grandson, Marland. Angela was nominated for the Wish List.

The Enquirer and United Way of Greater Cincinnati have joined forces for the 38th year to help families in need with the Wish List program. After wishes are granted, remaining funds assist people with similar needs throughout the year. This is the last of eight stories.

Angela Mullins and her 14-year-old grandson Marland share a loving bond that has been nurtured since he was an infant.

Over the years, Angela, who is 50, has been Marland's mainstay. She has taken him to doctor and dentist appointments, to parks and to church, where she was his Sunday School teacher.

She has implored him to prioritize his studies, and he has responded by making the honor roll. She has supported the 6-foot-1 boy when he plays basketball. She has proudly watched him serve as an usher at church.

Angela said she has instilled in him what she hopes are lifelong values: Put God first in everything you do. Always be the best you can be.

"He has so much potential," Angela said. With tears welling in her eyes, she added, "He tells me I bring out the best in him."

Ah, but there's always room for a modest improvement. "I'm trying to get him to eat more fruits and vegetables," she said, smiling.

Marland calls her Granny, but he said she has been more like a mother to him.

"I love her," he said. "Ain't no other way to describe it, other than I love her."

This year, Marland moved into Angela's one-bedroom apartment in Silverton and she became his full-time caregiver. There is only one bed, so they take turns sleeping on a couch.

Getting out of bed often is difficult for Angela, who has disabilities that prevent her from working. Her ailments include a torn meniscus in both knees, severe arthritis, restrictive lung disease and asthma. The walker she uses is broken.

"Even when I'm in pain, I try to act like I'm not," she said. "I don't want (Marland) to worry."

Before she became disabled, she worked for Head Start. She now relies on Social Security disability checks.

Sometime early in 2025, she and Marland will move into a two-bedroom subsidized apartment. Marland looks forward to having his own room.

"We're already blessed by God," Angela said. "We have a roof over our head. Our gas and electric are on."

But there are items that would help improve Angela's mobility and make Marland's room complete, which is why God's Favor Mobile Meals nominated them for the Wish List.

Angela's wish: For Marland: a queen-size bed and bedding; a desk and bookcase. For Angela: a motorized scooter and a walker.

Donations can be made online at www.uwgc.org/wishlist. You can also mail donations to: United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Attn: Wish List Pledge Processing, P.O. Box 632840, Cincinnati, OH 45263-2840. Please include "Wish List" in the memo line on checks.