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| No, she wasn't a famous musician, although she did at one time have a small measure of that.
She passed away early this morning, peacefully, in her sleep. I felt the best way to honor her memory would be to tell her story to those whom I consider my extended family.
As a young woman in a small coastal fishing village in Cuba she was courted by my Dad, who would show up in full military dress, and they would sit (apart) on the veranda of my grandfather’s home, watched over by a "dueña" (chaperon) to prevent any hanky-panky. Often that dueña was her next elder sister (there were 6 girls and 2 boys in the family), who wound up marrying my Dads next elder brother after many double dates.
Before marriage she enjoyed modest renown as a live radio singer. The picture of her below is a publicity shot from that time. She had a beautiful voice, and I've always attributed my musical abilities - limited as they are - to her and her influence.
My parents were the archetypal immigrant family in America. Since my father stood 4th in line to inherit the family farmstead - which was eventually seized by the Communist government anyway - they chose to come here and chase their dreams.
You can imagine the struggles of moving to a vastly different culture, learning a new language, and raising a family. Dad eventually started his own business, achieving the American dream of working for himself, beholden to no one.
Mom, meanwhile, stayed home until I was of school age, caring for other children to bring in a few extra dollars. While we were by no measure wealthy we never wanted for anything. When I went off to college, Mom kept working menial jobs and sent me all her money, so that I could concentrate on my studies and not have to worry about a job.
The phrase “family values” gets tossed around far too much as an epithet, especially by self-serving politicians who are later found to be engaging in deviant and reprehensible behaviors. Mom and Dad lived real family values. Putting the health and happiness of their children, 5 grandkids, and 2 great-grandkids above their own needs and wants, quietly toiling and sacrificing with never a complaint, they taught by example what are the real family values.
Mom and dad were married for 57 years when he passed away 4 years ago. Through all those years, struggles and hardships Mom never lost her sense of humor, her zest for life or her smile, a smile that lit up a room and chased away the clouds. Soon after Dad's passing, Mom’s health started deteriorating, and we reluctantly had to place her in a nursing home for the last year and a half. She’d been barely conscious for the past 3 weeks, like a clock winding down, and though I don't think she recognized me near the end, her last glimmer of consciousness was a hint of a smile at hearing the voice and feeling the touch of her youngest grandson, my 2 year old. True to form.
Mom, thank you for showing me the value of honesty, commitment, perseverance, education and humor. Thank you for giving me perspective on what’s truly important in life. And most of all, thank you for the music.
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Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Serge,
What a wonderful and beautiful tribute!
Thank you for sharing your memories. You and yours will be in our thoughts and prayers! |
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Location: NW of Philadelphia | My deepest condolences to you and yours. |
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Location: Portland, OR | Very nice tribute. I'm sure she's pleased. |
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Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | G8r, My Deepest and most sincere Sympathy and condolences to you and your Family, Beautiful picture of your Mom. Thank-you for sharing this with us. |
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Posts: 5575
Location: big island | what a beautiful saint she is, serge. and an awesomely warm tribute. |
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Location: Avondale, AZ | I'm sorry to hear of your loss. g8r said "Mom, thank you for showing me the value of honesty, commitment, perseverance, education and humor. Thank you for giving me perspective on what’s truly important in life. And most of all, thank you for the music." She was a wonderful mother. |
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| The fact hat you could write that speaks volumes for her.
My condolences to you and your family. |
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Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | Serge,
Thankyou for sharing
Sincere condolences from all Downunder
AJ |
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Location: south east Michigan | That is a wonderful story.
Thank you. |
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Location: NJ | WellDone, and MyCondolences for YourLoss. |
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Location: Yucaipa, California | Thank you for including us Serge. My deepest condolences and well wishes. I've been there with both parents.
Beautiful tribute to a Beautiful Woman. Thank you. |
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Location: big island | and you've got your mom's eyes. |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | A beautiful story in commemoration of a talented, caring and obviously beautiful person. You are blessed. Thanks for sharing it with us, Serge. |
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Location: Marlton, NJ | Serge - I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. That's a very beautiful story - thanks for sharing it with us.
Your Friend,
Mike |
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Location: Cicero, NY | So sorry for your loss, serge. And, just to echo what has been said, what a stunning memorial by a son. Thanks for sharing. |
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Location: SoCal | All our prayers, Serge..... |
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Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | My condolences.
What a wonderful woman. |
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Location: Central Massachusetts | What a great tribute. She raised you right. Sorry for your loss. |
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Location: Copenhagen Denmark | My sincere condolences ,
A Wonderful and Beautyful Tribute indeed , Good thoughts are on the way to you and your family.
Vic |
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Location: East Tennessee | Serge,
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss.
Thank You for sharing Her story. My prayers go out to you and your family. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | My Condolences, Serge. |
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Location: Slightly northwest of Trader Jim | Serge,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I can only hope that her going peacefully is some measure of comfort to you and your family. Knowing you is somewhat like knowing what she must have been like.
GOD BLESS. |
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Location: South of most, North of few | Serge, thank you for the heartwarming story, and please accept my condolences for your loss. We too will be praying for your family. |
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Posts: 12758
Location: Boise, Idaho | Nothing more or better can be said. There's nothing like a Mom's love for her kids. For years I wanted to sing "Momma" by B.J. Thomas for my mother and it was one of the reasons I picked up the guitar after many years. Sing it for her, Serge. |
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RIP: My Mom
