Saying Goodbye to Mamo and the family gathering that followed

My beloved grandmother, Mamo left us this fall. Thankfully, I was able to return again to the US to attend her Rosary and Funeral services. It was so hard to say goodbye to her. It was so hard accepting that I would no longer hear her calling out to me and smiling as I walked in to her house. Her soft hands, the softest hardworking hands I have ever known, will never again reach out to hold mine. I love her dearly and I treasure each memory I have of her. Here is her obituary. I place it here so that one day Violet can look back and read it again. And hopefully she will remember her sweet Mamo. The one her called her "My precious".

Matilde P. Elizondo, 81, went home to our Lord on September 14, 2013. She joined the love of her life, Sixto Elizondo Jr., two months to the day of his passing. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and dedicated grandmother. Matilde had a passion for life and dedicated herself to her family. Being a wife and mother was her greatest accomplishment. God graced her with a true servant's heart. Her family was blessed to have her as an example and role model in serving others. Not only did she guide and influence her eight children but she played an instrumental role in the lives of her grandchildren. She loved being surrounded by her family, especially during the holidays. She enjoyed trips to the beach, LBJ Lake, Las Vegas, Kickapoo and the family property "the lot". Matilde loved the outdoors, especially gardening. Being in the arms of her soul mate dancing around the house, or at family functions was one of her greatest joys. She shared her wisdom and faith with everyone she met. Matilde was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was involved with ACTS through St. Johns and St. Gregory the Great. Matilde will be greatly missed. She touched the lives of all who knew her. Matilde is survived by her sons, Sixto III (Sarah), Sam (Thelma), Oscar (Denise); daughters, Carmen Elizondo Bernal (Henry), Olga Elizondo-Aulds, Cris Garcia (Ray), Norma Alvarez (John) and Ana Cortez (Don). She leaves behind 31 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and three on the way. A special thanks to her caretakers, grandson Donnie Cortez, granddaughter Cassie Cortez, Toni Gibbons and Ryan LaReau. "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine." Song of Solomon 6:3

The funeral services were so beautiful. My brother's planned the music and family members participated in either the rosary or readings at the service. My brothers and I sang the hymns and other selected pieces to sing her off to eternal peace. My heart broke singing the Ave Maria for her one last time. And we three pulled together all of our strength to sing The Prayer.

 At the end of the funeral mass there was a beautiful gesture made by the students of St. Gregory Catholic School. (The funeral was held at St. Gregory and my Aunt is a teacher there). Just before the pall bearers carried out her coffin, students lined the middle aisle of the church. When they started to walk down to take her out of the sanctuary they all raised there arms up to form a bridge to walk under. In each of their hands they held a white rose. She was carried out under the roses. Then all the family walked out underneath it as well. It was so beautiful and so moving. It was a perfect send off for such a beautiful, graceful and caring woman.

Violet enjoyed spending more time with her cousins. Here she is with Elizabeth and Little Jerry

We had a wonderful gathering at my Dad and Sarah's house after the services. Their friends brought over Fajitas and rice and beans. It started off with just food and drinks and reminiscing.

Then because it was still HOT in SA we turned it into a pool party!

Babies always seem to soothe a hurting heart

We even started dancing

my daddy started dancing with each of his sisters and talking with each one. He is the eldest sibling and I know he was reassuring them that they would all stick together.

he danced with his brothers too.

reminding each other that their mom and dad are looking down on them

then all the siblings got together and danced with each other

and hugged on Aunt Crissy

we tried to get a family photo but we needed a wide angel lens. This is the Elizondos minus the ones that couldn't make it.

Dad and cousin Sammy

cousins supporting one another

people started throwing people into the pool with their clothes on. and before long we were all in the pool or the hot tub.

We listened to Mamo and Papo's love songs and imagined that they were looking down on us. I know how happy they must have been to see us all celebrating them and loving and supporting each other. It was a great party that went on into the night. I am truly blessed to be a part of such an amazing family.