In Memory of Marielle.

On June 1st, the day of my daughters first wedding anniversary, one of my sweetest and dearest friends passed away. It was a bittersweet moment as we did the four hour drive to and from Boston on the same day. It was raining but somehow the rain seemed so fitting for a funeral. I was so happy that we made it and that we met the rest of Eddie and Barbara's family. Everyone gave the most beautiful talks of memory about their mother. Every pew in the chapel was filled to capacity. Marielle was surely loved and a legend! Oh the things she accomplished while she was living.

Her stories are timeless and would have loved to hear more about her. She was a blessing to so many lives including mine.  I couldn't hold back the tears and when I cried they were both happy and sad. Happy because I know Marielle is smiling down on us from a better place and sad because I only got to know her for eight years. Those eight years seemed like 18 or more though because the day I met her it felt as if I'd known her for decades! Call it kismet or kindred spirits but our friendship developed into a sweet one and always enjoyed my time with her when we'd visit Boston. 

When the time came for her son to serve a mission I had no idea Eddie would be coming to New Jersey to serve in our area! We had him and his companion over for dinner and when I found out that he was her son it blew my mind. I had only met Barbara back in 2017 when we visited the ward not Eddie. I was so excited knowing that he was in our ward for a short time. 

What a beautiful way to leave her legacy behind. Her children absolutely adored her and looked up to her. Even though they are young adults losing your mom in your 20's as opposed to your 50's is hard. The difference for me is that I didn't grow up knowing that families are forever. I didn't have a huge family support system to lean on during my childhood or when my mom passed. I learned all that at an older age when I converted to christian and losing your mom is not easy. I know that Barbara and Eddie will be okay because they have each other, their father, their family and extended family. Numerous friends to rely on, the gospel and of course the Lord. So thankful to have come and seen her one last time laying peacefully in her coffin. It was a bittersweet moment and so happy to have been a part of saying goodbye to her for now! RIP Marielle! love your forever!