Lydia M. Rodriguez

My Dearest Lydia,
It has been 13 months and 3 days since you left us.The adjustment has been sad and at times difficult, but you left me with 4 beautiful children who watch over me like you used to watch over them.They try and include me in all of their functions.They mean well,but I have to refuse them on occasions.
Mom, I want to thank you with all of my heart for making me a better person.I regret that being a typical male,I did not express my love for you as much as I should...

It is now a year we have felt Mom's absence. It is still hard to grasp at times. I would hope we have managed in a way that would make her proud. I am thankful for our faith, our family and our friends which have provided comfort and support in our healing process. I am thankful for the love, the humor, and the unity that keeps our immediate family closer than ever. I am thankful that even in my saddest times of missing my Mom I can have the happiest times of memories of her. It is said that...

Lydia,
I always remember when you came to the hospital and held my hands. You always came when I was sick. I miss you.
Love, Mona

My Beautiful Graham Cracker,
I know it's been awhile since I've written, but that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about you. I miss you so much--especially now with the baby coming. Every doctor appointment, every shopping trip, every little milestone like first kicks and hiccups . . . my instinct is to pick up the phone and tell you about them all. I think you're watching though, and if you are, I know you are sharing our excitement. Those thoughts offer some comfort, but boy do...

August 4, 2008
HI LYDIA
WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH.YOU ARE STILL MARY ELLEN'S
HERO. THE GIRLS AND DAVEY ARE
TAKING GOOD CARE OF LALO.
SEMPER FIDELIS
BOBBY & MARY ELLEN

Grandma Was Sweet Music

When she laughed,
it rang through the house
like bells in a church tower,
and we felt happy.
She put a smile on everyone’s face,
and turned our anger into love.

When she smiled,
it lightened our spirits
like a sweet melody makes you happy,
she did that with no words.

Even at nighttime Grandma was sweet music
that promised the love and cheer of every day to come true.

Lydia: I am told that after thirteen months, I am not supposed to be missing you so much that I shouldn't still be expecting a phone call from you, or expecting you to visit us with your family, that my eyes should not well up with tears as they are right now....but it isn't working!!

Not a day has gone by that I don't think of you: at mass, looking at a gift you gave me, a photo we took, a song we both liked, a joke we shared...all these suddenly remind me of you.

Also our...

Wow, what a year this has been. A year marked with the obvious grief and sadness that come when a loved one passes...a year also marked with joy and happiness as our family has come together and started healing this enormous wound in our hearts.

Over this past year, I have searched for you, Grandma, in many people. Clinging to the hope that if I could just find your special qualities in someone, you would somehow still be here with me. While I have discovered parts of you in most...

My Dearest Lydia,
It has been 13 months and 3 days since you left us.The adjustment has been sad and at times difficult, but you left me with 4 beautiful children who watch over me like you used to watch over them.They try and include me in all of their functions.They mean well,but I have to refuse them on occasions.
Mom, I want to thank you with all of my heart for making me a better person.I regret that being a typical male,I did not express my love for you as...