Last Thursday, my sister called from Houston warning me of auntie Gracie’s deteriorated health condition. On Friday, the next day, one of my cousins did the same and asked me to go see her, for she was mentioning my name quite often saying «…has not come to visit me for long».

That day, when I arrived home, I told my wife and she urged me to go see her at once. She came with me.

My cousin Rose greeted us at the door. This was the first time we visited this new house. Bigger, nicer two story house.

Rose invited us in. She wanted us to be aware of her Mom’s condition before we saw her. «She’s wearing diapers now» she said, and gave that look of someone in great distress.

We went upstairs to my auntie’s bedroom. When I saw her, I had to hide my commotion and fake myself cheerfully. She always loved my smile, so I smiled.

I started my conversation begging her to eat and get well. «I need you healthy to take you to our hometown on vacation». She made an effort to lean and nod in assertion.

I really was impressed by how skinny she had become and was desperately hoping my topics for a pleasant chat wouldn’t end.

I grabbed my cellphone and called my cousin pal in Leon. Rose looked at me in disapproval. She said, lest he tells my Mom about his mother’s disease. (Rose never told auntie Gracie her sister in Leon had passed, fearing for her reaction at this age).

Hopefully, we will have auntie Gracie longer in this world. I will then have another chance to provide the care I never gave her.
June 21, 2016

An unknown number had called my cellphone twice.

It was a good day to invite my wife to the cinema. We went there. By half the film I checked my messages, and found one from cousin Sue; «it’s auntie, she’s just passed».

My wife and I left the cinema about 9:30 pm and drove to Rose’s house. There, we found all of my female cousins from the Treviño family…and my auntie laying , peaceful, gone. Her skin was still warm and soft.

The medical report said she died by CHF, cardiac insufficiency. No need for a coroner. I mourned for a little while; I knew I had some legal procedures to follow.

Rose, my wife and I found an inexpensive funeral home, paid the fees and went back home.

The ambulance arrived around little before 3:00 pm. and took the body for direct disposal.

May she rest in peace

Maria Altagracia Vidaña Guzman

(1924-2016)