Another Angel In Heaven

Have you gone years without seeing someone...
Someone who was an important person in your life at one time...
And then you find out that person has passed away...
And your present life sort of comes to a screeching halt...
And you're right back in the past...
All the memories come flooding back...
And you just break down and cry your eyes out?

It happened to me yesterday.

My best friend in grade school's mother passed away Sunday morning.
I found out through a mutual friend on Facebook late that night and then had it confirmed by my old friend on her Facebook page the next morning.

And in a split second, I was back in time, sitting in her bedroom talking about boys...

And her mom puts on a record...yes, a record...on the stereo. (I'm a child of the 80's...what can I say?)

She comes into my friend's room and tells us to come and listen to the new album she just bought. So we do and she puts it on...

The room fills with the sound of the Miami Sound Machine and she starts to dance all around the house.

Before we know it, my friend and I are dancing with her.

She was such a infectious person. I don't think I have ever met someone who at her age, was so youthful and fun-loving. She was like one of the kids and loved us all as her own.

This picture is from our 8th grand graduation party. She threw my friend a party...and included me and another friend. She wanted it to be for the 3 of us...her daughter and her 2 best friends. We had the best time...it was an amazing night.

 
My preteen years are filled with memories of her....she threw parties thrown for every reason imaginable. Birthdays? For sure. Christmas AND New Year's? Yup. Halloween? Oh yes...biggest of the year.

I got my first real kiss outside my friend's house at a Christmas party. If hadn't been for her mother throwing that party, I would have never had that moment with Rene Escobio. Gosh...what memories!

But her mother was so much more than a great party thrower.

She was generous and kind...always there for anything we needed.

And most importantly, she was her daughter's best friend. I don't think I have seen a mother and daughter as close. My mom was MY best friend and I loved her with every fiber in my being. And I still think their relationship was the closer than our was.

Which is why losing her is going to be so hard. She meant so much to so many...but to my old friend especially. My heart breaks when I think of what she's going through right now.

So I ask...if you are a faithful person and pray...

Please remember my friend, Raelisa Torres French.

Pray for her and her family as they deal with this tragic loss.

I know first hand how terrible it is to lose your mother. And I hate that Maria's gone.

But she is still with us and always will be.

And Raelisa now has one very special angel watching over her forever.