BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela

Subject: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Escamillo
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 09:16 PM

My dear wife passed on December 6 at 9:10 in the morning, peacefully, in the company of her husband and two sons, and all the love of the world, including those who had never met us, but who are tied by this circle of music, but also of comprehension, love and support which is the Mudcat.

Another attack of the disease, on Thursday morning, this time on the lungs in their entirety, was definitely lethal. However she was told that it was an asthma attack and was immediately treated to alleviate symptoms, later she received strong analgesics and finally anesthesia, then she passed from one state of sleeping to the other, inadvertently and without any pain or suffering, when her oxigenation came to an end. This type of cancer was qualified as "extremely agressive"

My thanks to all the Mudcat people, along with a kiss from Graciela who did never write to you, but was very impressed and grateful for all the solidarity and love received from all of you.

The light of my life is gone. Three sons and a coming grandchild will tie me again to this world. Then, my friends, I only ask another, final prayer for Graciela, who dedicated her life to us, who built our lives with her small hands full of love, and who was generous with relatives and strangers, never discriminated anyone for any reason, and left a lesson of life for all of us. May God bless her.

Un abrazo,
Andrés, Mariano, Javier and Andrés Jr.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: CarolC
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 09:31 PM

Andrés, I'm terribly sorry for your loss, and for your family's loss. Blessings to all of you and to Graciella.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: GUEST,Bardford
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 09:32 PM

Andrés, - You are such an eloquent presence here on the Mudcat. There are no words...I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this. May God bless Graciela indeed, and also yourelf and your sons.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 09:37 PM

You have whatever we have to give.........You are a man of great grace and and gentle kindness. May strength be with you and your family now to see you through this time of sadness and may the coming grandchild bring the joy of the circle of life to all of you. You have our deepest sympathies, but also our best thoughts for all of you as well.

Pat and Karen

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 09:45 PM

Love to you, Andrés.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: GUEST,Bman
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 10:06 PM

I am sorry for your trouble.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Bassic
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 10:11 PM

Thank you for sharing the joy in your life that is Graciela, I celebrate that joy with you and look forward with you and your family to the birth of your Grandchild and and the joy to come. Her spirit has reached us from thousands of miles away through you and I know she will live in your hearts forever.

Gordon

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Sorcha
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 10:42 PM

Blessings on you and all of yours, Andres.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 10:44 PM

I think Catspaw said it quite well. YOu will be in my thoughts thorughout this season.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Ebbie
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 10:52 PM

Continued blessings to you- I know that you've been overflowing with them. Thank you for sharing them with us, and letting us be a part of your and your family's life. Your testimonial for Graciela is moving- what a joy she has been to you. Cherish yourselves and each other, as she has done for so many years.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Jeri
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 11:03 PM

Andrés, I'm so sorry. May memories of her give you comfort and make you smile through the tears and may her light continue to shine in your hearts.

Love,
Jeri

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Tinker
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 11:26 PM

May the Blessings of your life together to continue to shine on you all...

Kathy

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 12:45 AM

Dear Andres,

I am so sorry. I will sing a song and say a prayer for you all, tonight. Thank you for finding the strength on this day to share with us.

You are in our minds, hearts, and prayers, mi amigo,

Un abrazo,

Rogelio & Katalina

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: DonMeixner
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 01:19 AM

Andres,
There are times , late at night, when I work in the shop my father and I shared, when all is still and the only sound is the flame of the torch or the cadence of the hammer as I pound the silver, I feel his hand on my shoulder and his breath on the back of my neck. I don't have to turn about to know he will always be there.

My deepest sympathies for you and your family.

Don Meixner

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Mudlark
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 01:41 AM

Andres...my heart goes out to you, and to your family. I will hold you in my thoughts, and send you courage for the coming days.

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: GUEST,Mickey191
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 01:45 AM

Andres, I am so sorry for your loss.If there is any comfort in words my friend, think on this: Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy. Eskimo Legend.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Hrothgar
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 02:57 AM

My heart weeps for you.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: C-flat
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 08:15 AM

I can only add my deepest sympathy to the thoughts expressed here.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 10:24 AM

Andres, how are you doing, today? We burnt a candle for you all last night and sang from our hearts. Thinking of you much, dear one.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Hollowfox
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 10:40 AM

I'm so sorry to hear this news. It's small comfort to think that someone so beloved doesn't hurt anymore, when you miss her so, but I hope it helps. You and she have my prayers now, and a candle when I get home from work tonight. Take care, Mary

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Amos
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 10:45 AM

Andres:

My condolences.

Keep breathing, keep looking, keep seeig what is there,.

I know it ain't easy.

A

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Alice
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 11:25 AM

AMAZING GRACE sung for Graciela.
Andrés, there are no words to say how sorry I am that your
Beloved Graciela was taken by this disease. I know she lives in
your heart, but it it is so hard to lose her touch.
Take care of yourself.
Love to you and your family.

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Dave Swan
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 11:31 AM

A song has been sung for Graciela, and for you.

D

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Peter T.
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 11:52 AM

Oh Andres, I am so sorry, I am sorry I did not have time to meet your wife when we met. You have been so terribly burdened, you are in my thoughts and prayers. As a poet once said: "We meet in the valley of the survivors and embrace, we know things we would give everything not to know, we see things in the other's eyes, and are humbled."

yours ever, Peter

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Escamillo
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 01:45 PM

Back at home, already left her body in a peaceful place, I'm in the company of Javier and Andrés, and talked with Mariano who is in th U.S., now facing the sad business of setting some order in the house, not sure what to do with everything.

I received this poem from a friend in the U.S., it is very moving and I think it's good to keep it in mind when our loved ones have to leave. The only difference with my wife's case is that she did never have one lonely minute, much less a lonely night.

Thanks my friends, un abrazo,
Andrés

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days,
And endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
An example tried to be,
So can I take that step beyond,
And set my spirit free?

I did not want to go at first,
I fought with all my might,
But, something seems to draw me now,
To a warm and loving light.
I want to go-I really do-
It's difficult to stay-
But I will try as best I can,
To live just one more day,
To give you time, to care for me,
And share your love and fears,
I know you're sad and are afraid
Because I see your tears.

I'll not be far- I promise that-
And hope you will always know,
That my spirit will be
Close to you, wherever you may go.

Thank you so- for loving me-
You know- I love you too.
That is why it's hard to say good-bye,
And end this life with you.

So- hold me now, just one more time.
And let me hear you say,
Because you care so much for me,
You will let me go today!

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Morticia
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 01:56 PM

I am so sorry Andres, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Maryrrf
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 03:00 PM

Andres, I can only echo what has been said here. I have been holding Graciela and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad you have your children and (soon) your grandchild to give you comfort and hope.
Un abrazo,
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 03:46 PM

Andres,
I am sorry. Look for for Graciela in your coming grandchild. And celebrate her life. I will keep you in my prayers.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Escamillo
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 06:06 PM

As soon as I can recover a little, I will try to change this sorrow of everyone of you, my friends, for a joyful smile, when I tell you how happy persons she has made of us, how generously she cared for all of us, and what kind of undeserved blessing I have had these last 30 years. That will be better than this sadness.

A big hug for all of you
Andrés

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Haruo
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 07:30 PM

God bless you, Andrés.

Haruo

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 10:35 PM

Take your time, Andres and take care of yourself and your family. We will be here, through the sorrow and the joy, and we are the better for it and for your sharing with us.

Blessed Be,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Helen
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 11:09 PM

Love and hugs, from Helen.

As Don Meixner said, you will probably feel Graciela's presence at times. She has not left you and your family. She has gone to a different place, that is all.

The poem we read at my mother's funeral is a good reminder of this, and I think about it whenever I start feeling sad about my mother being gone from here.

Helen

Death is Nothing At All

                I have slipped away into the next room...
                I am I, and you are you,
                Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

                Call me by my old familiar name,
                Speak to me in the easy way you always used.
                Put no difference into your tone,
                Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow,
                Laugh as we always laughed
                At the little jokes we enjoyed together.
                Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.

                Let my name be ever the household word
                That it always was.
                Let it be spoken without effect,
                Without the ghost of a shadow on it.
                Life means all that it ever meant -
                It is the same as it ever was;
                There is absolute unbroken continuity.
                What is death but a negligible accident?
                Why should I be out of mind
                Because I am out of sight?

                I am but waiting for you.
                For an interval, somewhere very near
                Just around the corner...
                All is well.

Henry Scott Holland
A Canon of St Paul's Cathedral

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: alanabit
Date: 08 Dec 02 - 02:11 PM

Just to add that I'm thinking and feeling the same way as everyone else on this thread. I hope better days are on their way to you soon and that the memories of better days will always be with you. Alan.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Marion
Date: 08 Dec 02 - 02:31 PM

I'm so sorry, Andres. God be with you all.

Marion

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 08 Dec 02 - 03:03 PM

Andres, don't worry about the grieving- it needs to happen and we are all holding you in our hearts at this time. There will be time for joy and memories soon, and they will both help and keep the tears flowing. You are cared for here in this place, and we are grateful for your presence. Blessings on you and your family.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: sian, west wales
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 04:31 AM

Some thoughts lie too deep for words. Peace be with you, and yours.

sian

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 11:52 AM

Andres,

I am so sorry to be reading this thread belatedly. Your message brought tears to my eyes--the combination of your loss & Graciela's release from pain. I am so thankful for your faith. God will sustain you through this time & you will see your sweet wife again! I will be lifting you in prayer.

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Micca
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 12:05 PM

Andres, I have only just caught up after being away for the w/e.
My deepest sympathies to you and your boys, we hold you in our hearts and in the Light.. Thank you for sharing her with us, yours in sadness in the present, in hope for the future, Micca

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Wesley S
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 01:38 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll keep you and your family { esp your new grandchild } in my thoughts and prayers this season. Take care of yourself - Wesley

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Escamillo
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 09:42 PM

I am planning a visit to my oldest son in Orlando, Florida to share these Christmas with him. If someone from Miami or Orlando would like to meet me, please tell me to arrange something between December 23 and January 2. The only one I've ever met is Peter T. who gave me the pleasure of his visit in Buenos Aires in 1999, and I would like to see someone else.

As soon as I can settle down my emotions a little, I'll record for you all that Amazing Grace which opened for me the doors of the Wagnerian Association some time ago. I'll do it in memoriam of the wonderful woman who enlightened my life and spread out her love to many others for 30 years.

Again, you are all in my heart, which is now Graciela's heart too.

Un abrazo,
Andrés

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Amos
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:00 AM

Escamillio:

If you have occasion to come West, I would be honored to meet you and offer you a place to stay should you need one.


A

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:15 AM

Amos, if that's not a reason for the Aqua/Tangerine 6th Mudcat CD, then I don't what would be!*bg*

Andres, it will be wonderful to hear you and I know your love of Graciela will shine through and make it that much more meaningful. I am so glad to hear you will be with your oldest son in Florida for Christmas.

Much love,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: fat B****rd
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 02:33 PM

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my condolences.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: SharonA
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 03:59 PM

Andrés, please let me add my deepest sympathy for your loss. One more thought is going up for Graciela, and one more hug is going out to you, from me. Your tribute to her is absolutely beautiful. I, too, am glad to read that you'll be with family this Christmas. Is it the son in Florida who is the father of your grandchild-to-be?

I'll be keeping you and yours in thought as you remember and celebrate the precious time you've shared with Graciela and with all your loved ones.

Take care,
Sharon

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: smallpiper
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 10:13 PM

May the lord bless you and keep you all the days of your life
I am sorry for your loss but believe it is only for a short time
Blessed be

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Escamillo
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 10:31 PM

Sharon, this grandchild is being brought by my second son Javier (age 26). Regarding my tribute, you could bet that anything I can say is not enough to express my love and respect for this woman, the purest soul I have ever met.

Smallpiper, I want to beleive it is for a short time. I can't wait for the moment I'll meet her again. In the meantime, I have to comply my promise to care for our boys. After that, I'll be free.

A big hug for all of you.
Andrés

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Allan C.
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 10:44 PM

Andres, I am at a loss as to how to express my deep sorrow for your loss. I will be performing at a show in a day or two. I will sing a special song in rememberance of Graciela.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 08:26 PM

Abrazos, amigo.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 09:38 PM

I've only just opened this thread. All my best thoughts to you, and your family, Andres, in your trouble.

Here's a song I wrote when my wife's mother died, and I sang it after my brother died last year too. (And he was born in Argentina.)

Now you've left us behind and you've gone on your way,
over the edge of the world.
You left without warning with so much to say.
Are you just round the corner, or far far away?
Well, goodbye, and I hope I might see you some day,
over the edge of the world.
Now you've gone where nobody can find you,
over the edge of the world.
To follow a star, like the wise men of old,
to search for a treasure, far richer than gold,
and to find a great secret, can never be told,
over the edge of the world.

I'm watching and waiting and trying hard to see
over the edge of the world.
Now your prison is opened, and now you are free,
and that's how I always have known it must be.
And maybe now somewhere you're waiting for me,
over the edge of the world.
Now you've gone where nobody can find you,
over the edge of the world.
To follow a star, like the wise men of old,
to search for a treasure, far richer than gold,
and to find a great secret, can never be told,
over the edge of the world.

Graciela - that's a lovely name.

Subject: RE: BS: A song and a prayer for Graciela
From: Escamillo
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 09:19 AM

Beautiful song, McGrath. Some day when my sons don't need me, I'll be free too. Thanks, my friends.

Un abrazo,
Andrés