07/21/2024
Yesterday, I said goodbye to my beloved mom's earthly form, a heart-wrenching farewell filled with both profound sorrow and immense gratitude. As I knelt beside her, I poured out my love, thanking her for the countless lessons she imparted, for the beautiful soul she was, and for her unwavering devotion to our family.
Even as I bid her soul farewell on this earthly plane, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude wash over me. Gratitude for the many cherished members of her school family who came to honor her memory. Gratitude for the presence of her younger brother, Art, and the precious time we had to reconnect with him during this difficult journey.
My heart swelled with appreciation for my friends who traveled from Phoenix, offering their loving support as I navigated the depths of grief. For my daughter-in-law, who stood steadfastly beside my son, a source of strength, even though her time in town was brief.
The outpouring of love from friends back home, their texts grounding me in a warm embrace of compassion, brought solace to my aching soul. And for Charles, whose limitless compassion, caring, and support have been an anchor through the storm.
Most of all, I am grateful for the unbreakable bonds that tie our family together – the quiet, unwavering connections with my son Markus, my brother, and my sister. Relationships that have not only withstood but strengthened through this shared grief, reminding us of the profound love that binds us eternally.
Though her earthly form may remain for a fleeting moment, I know in my heart that her radiant spirit lives on, forever intertwined with all those who loved her. She was an earthly angel to so many, and now, her spirit watches over us all as our celestial guardian. And so, I asked for a solemn vow to those in attendance (and I ask those reading this now) – to never allow her vibrant memory to fade, to keep her essence alive through our stories and our laughter, ensuring she remains an indelible part of the fabric that weaves us all together.
During her lifetime, as she parted ways, she would often say, "Keep your angels."
May the Lord our God always bless you..and keep your angels my friends.
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