Sunday, April 2, 2023
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Rest in peace dear Carmen. You have been a mentor in my life since I was a young child visiting my Great Grand Parents Earnest and Marie Gollenberg down the street from you. My family always held you in high regard and I often heard of your good deeds, care, and generosity. Your love and affection for my Grand Aunt Dolores after the tragic loss of her Husband and later her only Son was the key factor in her mourning and recovery. You were a gracious host who always said we were invited at any time no mater the occasion. We reconnected on line in March 2016 after some time apart and over the years you told me you were born in the USA however your parents immigrated from Modica in 1910. Your fathers birthday was March 13, 1900. You have relatives in Modica, Messina, and Palermo that you never got to meet but wish you had. We spoke about your dream to traveling to Modica but then your health started to decline so we waited. You said keep being active as long as you can and live well so I said I will go to Modica for you. I was glad to get to talk to you weekly during COVID to check in with you and get and update on Dolores. In Sept 2022 I was able to get you close to your dream by going on a pilgrimage to Modica and visiting the Cathedral of San Giorgio and speaking directly to the Dean on your behalf. The Dean at mass spoke "The Gospel of the Lord” (Verbum Domini), and all responded, “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ” (Laus tibi, Christe). HE will then venerate the Book with a kiss, saying privately, “Through the words of the Gospel may our sins be wiped away.” You told me you were honored and said "I hope all my relatives in heaven will be there to witness this is the greatest gift I could receive from anyone again thank you". Dear Carmen, rest in peace knowing you were a gift in my life and I will miss you dearly.
