Rosa Maria Reyes

My Dear Aunt Rosey,

Although we didn't see her often, she was never forgotten. Deep down inside, I know that she knew she was loved-not just by the women at the home who took great care of her. She had two beautiful parents who did all that they could for her, and two sisters who went above and beyond for her.

She was a sweet, gentle, and loving soul. She was also very independent. I remember visiting her when we were younger, and she was always happy, always smiling, always humming a special tune. She would walk back and forth watching everyone, as if she were making sure we were all doing the right thing.

I remember visiting her and how she always wanted to go for car rides. She loved being in the car and going for a drive. She also had a sweet tooth and loved her cakes. We always knew that she liked her belongings to be a certain way. She needed everything to be clean and in a certain order.

On our more recent trips, before she got sick, we were able to visit her in her room. That was where her personality really shined. Everything about who she was was wrapped up in that room. It was wonderful to see her in her element.

She leaves behind a sister, two nieces, three great-nieces, and two great-nephews. Although she is no longer with us, I believe that she is watching over us. I believe that she is now happy with her loved ones in heaven. I believe she is free now-free to do anything she wants, with no more restrictions and no more suffering.

I like to think that she is in the company of her parents, Thomas and Carmen Reyes, along with her sister Delia. I like to imagine they are now dancing and embracing one another as we speak.

Her passing should not be a goodbye. Instead, it should be "until we meet again."