My Grand Mother Has Crossed Over, I Am In Mourning

Kind One's,

My grandmother has crossed over and her life forces have ceased. My grandmother's Spirit, is what we as Kinfolk and Kindred alike are to keep alive and keep the stories going on, so that we share her will to live and let live, to live hard, to work hard and then too, "once upon a time play hard".

My Abuela Mary will live on in Spirit Way's. Her lesson's are not yet complete. The Elders who remain know this. Because it is now very truly up to them to make sure the Life of My Grand Mother, is spoken of. Her Spirit's dwell within me and will for eternity. The adoration of such love that she gave so freely, is why we will pass stories that will continue along for generations. It is important and a good and right thing to share our Grand Mother's stories and talk of everything! The good and the not so good that comes with every family scenario and drama in life..

There is a song and an Artist, by the name Mr. Dean Martin, performing the song, "Everybody Love's Somebody Sometimes.", that I with all my love and memories, will play in dedication to my Abuela Mary.

Back, back in the day, when I was but a pup, Abuela and I would go down town to get me a hair cut, the barber would have Dino, Frankie, or Sammy on the radio all the time. That particular day, this song came on AND how did Abuela Mary, love this song, by this stunning and hot fellow, Dean Martin. If she had it in her power she would have hooked up with Mr. Martin, in a New York second! In New York!

We were once shopping at Kress down town for some Huskies denim for my large child ass and as we were stepping down into the departments in the basement, guess who began to sing? That's right, Mr. Martin, and because I began to learn the words by listening to his music and watching Dino in an action movie or T.V. show, he was always Mr. Martin. You see, he was so smart - so stunning! Almost as beautiful as my Grand Mother Mary.

There was also this one particular time when we went to have lunch at the counter at Grants. With this visit, (we would do this every once in a while) I noticed that the people's were separated and I did not know why. Where we sat, was all white and or like her and I, the pale skinned mixed blooded Folk's of the Latino Community. On the other side of the counter, the people's were all Black. I was confused and was about to ask probably the fourth question, when Mr. Martin came on over the stores over head stereo and I started singing with Dean, and my Abuela Mary was so smiling happy smiles - a couple of the big blossomed cooks in their pretty Waitress outfit's, joined right on in there. What an awesome experience and a what a life long memory..

Many years and life's changes later, I lived here in town with my Grand Mother for a spell. On special occasion's, Abuela Mary, would let me borrow her car to drive to and from work. For some reason, I seem to think this car only had AM radio, because all it ever played was AM stations and Abuela Mary, had this favorite channel. It played what was then called the "classics", so I left it where she had it, as I so enjoyed what she listened too anyways. It was the music that I was brought up listening to, you see and yes, I was provided the chance to listen to Dean, up to twice daily in that awesome ole car with my Granny's miles on it.

This song that very early in my life became a fabric and song that it is a track on the sound track of my life. It has always been that way. Since that first time Abuela and me heard it.

Understand, I am in mourning. I am knowing that my grand mother and I have experienced the ultimate separation. From birth in 1919, to live such a life life slipped into a peaceful sleep. In death, my grand mother is freed from the pains in her body and in her life. And in this life, my Grand Mother would teach forgiveness, love and respect. The teaching's of never giving up. The knowing that we didn't have time for the bull shit just touch my heart.

My Grand Mother, looked into my eyes and heard my voice. I spoke softly, because I know that even whispers during this stage of life can be so loud and so painful. We were provided private time with one and another. I laid my face next to her face and remembering sleeping over at my Abuela's house on Friday night's. I remembered laying next to her and watching her sleeping face , to my face, oh how beautiful my grand mother is. Her skin was so youthful, Folks I swear Folks out and about often thought I was her son, not her grandson. Her and I would always get a kick out of that. I know did. God, I know I did, because I would see the face of a proud and joyful person. A Grand Mother that loved her first grand son, as much as she loved her first son.

My Good Blessed God.

On our visit Thursday late afternoon, my grand mother and I were able to pray the prayers of the crucifix a few times. I sang Hallelujah, quietly near her left ear. I saw that my left ear is going to look like my Abuela's ear. So cool! I was able to speak with her about her Mom and Dad, my great-grand parents, Mimi and Abuelo Luis. I spoke with her about her son, Tikki. Her eye's opened briefly. I spoke of her cousins and her grand children there to greet her. And yes, we did speak about the huge party all will have when she gets there. My Lord, My Lord.

God Blessed me with a Grand Mother like mine for a purpose. As my Grand Mother Rests, I must continue to push ahead - to take care of my business. This is the way it would have been her wish. By God, I know I am Blessed...

...Thank You, Great Spirit! Thank You God! Thank You Abuela Mary!

I'll love you forever and eternity, Abuela, I always have, always will, your mario

I am in mourning.