Maria Salituro
Zia, although we lived thousands of miles apart, you have, and will always remain, a significant figure in my life.
Over the past few days, many personal memories of you have surfaced and brought a smile to my face and joy to my saddened heart. In looking back now through the eyes of a child, one of the more vivid memories was the arrival of your letters. The letters addressed to my mother would arrive with regularity in our rusty red mailbox at my childhood home. I would recognize your familiar handwriting and the return address of 76 Jean Street and this would always make me smile inwardly. Receiving and reading these letters from you always made my mom so happy; especially after my dad died and she was filled with loneliness and despair. I do not know what words you wrote, but I do know with certainty that this simple act always lightened my mom’s heart and comforted her soul, and for that I am forever grateful.
Your life has had its share of trials,thus repeatedly testing your faith and resolve; however, you have always endured, remaining strong, true and committed to your family and friends. You will be remembered always as a gentle, loving, kind, and patient woman: one that was selfless, and generous, in both spirit and service to others. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
In silent prayer, I offer you these beautiful words:
“Fly, fly precious one
Your endless journey has begun
Take your gentle happiness
Far too beautiful for this
Above the universe you’ll climb
On, beyond the hands of time
The moon will rise, the sun will set
But I won’t forget…”
Celine Dion "Fly"
Saturday January 6, 2018 at 11:13 am