We know not where our paths will lead us. We all pray for beautiful lives of contentment that are long and full, full of love and adventure, travels and excitement. No one person can imagine, nor recreate the thoughts or experiences of someone else who has passed on before us, but we may attempts to soothe our curiosity through the path of photographs that are left behind.
My mother-in-law, Irma Prado, left us on Saturday, August 22, 2009 - when we were not ready to let her go. And once again we know not why we must travel on without her or what our paths will carry us on to, but we will fight to preserve her memory in the hearts of her family, her children and her very young grandchildren.
Since no one can tell her story but her, we must allow the small moments that have been captured to speak for themselves, whether in simplicity or moments of celebration, those of the calm casual informalities and those proposed and predestined to hold spots in our hearts forever. And we laugh through the sadness today, because we know how picky she was about having her picture taken, asking to see it afterwards (thank God for digital), and either approving it or asking for it to be erased in the end. And it is today that family members have sorted through 1,000s of pictures from her short 56 years, and are amazed to watch how her expression grew and changed throughout the decades.
Since no one can tell her story but her, we must allow the small moments that have been captured to speak for themselves, whether in simplicity or moments of celebration, those of the calm casual informalities and those proposed and predestined to hold spots in our hearts forever. And we laugh through the sadness today, because we know how picky she was about having her picture taken, asking to see it afterwards (thank God for digital), and either approving it or asking for it to be erased in the end. And it is today that family members have sorted through 1,000s of pictures from her short 56 years, and are amazed to watch how her expression grew and changed throughout the decades.
So, we search for a way to celebrate the life of a precious soul, and we attempt to hold dear the stories she helped us to create. We send out the message for all to hug their loved ones, stay near, and ask the questions of which you may want answers to - today. Tomorrow is never guaranteed and the path may only fill with memories of a day gone by.
We will journey to take her home this week. She will return to her hometown and be buried amongst her antepasados, those who came before her...and wait patiently for life to continue its course and return her loved ones to her once again. We have been blessed to be a part of this path, and will continue to share it with all who care to listen - so they, too, may know the love that lived here - if only shorten by an unpredictable absence.Irma Prado
May 1, 1953 - August 22, 2009
4 comments:
I forgot to mention when I made a comment on FB, that the journaling is beautiful. Will you be reading this at her wake or funeral? You really should. It's a lovely tribute.
Candice,
This is beautiful.....
Tonya
This is beautifully written, as always. Chato does look so much like her. And I always think that Aly looks like you, but she really loos like her Grandmother, especially in that baby picture. I wish you a safe trip...and am sending big hugs to you and your family.
Oh Candie I'm sooo sorry for your loss, please accept my deepest condolences. I don't know you or your family but I hope that you are all ok in dealing with such a sudden loss, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on her and bringing her memory alive, what you wrote is very beautiful. Take care, God Bless,
Denise
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