Final Chapter

On New Years 2011 Day my parents went to Mary Magdalene’s final resting place to give her some flowers; their surprise to find that Mary’s plaque had been placed on her niche.  New Year weekend was such a challenging time for me because I remembered how we celebrated 2009,  with Mary declining so quickly in her health in 2010 and this year was the first year she was gone.

I hated it; I didn’t want to talk to anyone or be around anyone and became such a grizzle bear that weekend.

I remember my dad call me on his cell phone as I answered the phone at home,
     “Hi Dad”.
     “Just listen,(he paused then said) beloved daughter and sister Mary Magdalene Rodriguez, born November 02, 1975, passed October 29, 2010.  Her plaque is here Mija, they finally put in on her niche,” my dad’s voiced cracked with emotions.
Tear just started streaming down my face as I closed my eyes and imagined  my sister’s plaque on the cold, lifeless granite where my sister's remains were placed.
     “That’s good dad; I’m sorry for acting so grumpy, I just miss Mary so much this weekend! I think because of  2009 New Year's.”
     “I know Mija, I miss her too.  I was as Walmart the other day, I seen party favors to celebrate New Year’s and I thought of my Mary.  I felt that I was going cry in the middle of Walmart. Maybe next year we can buy party favors, what do you think?”
      “Yes dad, next year we will, I know Mary would like that if we did.” I replied.
     “Okay.  Well, me and your mother will be home soon,” answered my dad. “Okay, you guys be careful and I love you guys,” I said as I hung up the phone.

  I have only visited my sister’s final resting place twice since her passing.  Both times there was no plaque and it felt so cold and empty to me.  I knew my sister’s remains were there because I witnessed the final sealing.  However, without a plaque on the niche, it felt like an unfinished painting of a beautiful and priceless masterpiece.  Once I found out that the plaque was placed on Mary’s niche, I finally felt a sigh of relief. The journey here on earth is ultimately over for my sister Mary even though it started  back on October 29, 2010.  Everything is completed for Mary and now I can feel that I can at last move forward.  My mom, dad and I were there in the beginning of Mary’s journey and were there for her  as we walked her back home. We believe Mary is in heaven looking down to watch over us like an extra guardian angel. She will continue to assure us  that she will always be “okay” up in heaven.  We know it will take time to heal  from our loss of a beloved daughter and sister.  However,  we as a family will continue to live our lives together as one as our new guardian angel watches on from heaven.