A day does not go by that I do not miss Jose, expect to see her as I walk in the church door. She was work partner for 12 years and one of the kindest people I've ever met. And funny. And goofy. And such a real person of faith. Holding you and your whole family in my heart and prayers.

Jose was in my bible study group.  We prayed for all of you over the holidays and miss her dearly.  She was one of four friends I lost in 2019, and I frequently pray for the families of each one.  Jose loved her family beyond the beyond & was so very proud of you all.  She was one of the sweetest people I have ever known.  My mind's eye still sees her walking down the hallway, coming to bible study.  We all have a very hard time STILL believing she is never coming  back, probably because we never realized just how sick Jose really was.  The last bible study she attended was September 19, and we were all shocked by her death.  But - God doesn't make mistakes, so we must have faith and rest in the assurance that all is well.  Thank you for your Caring Bridge message.  May God bless you and yours, surround you all with His angels, and hold you close forever.   XXX

Thanks for posting this, Danielle. Everyday I think of your mom, and I mean it! She is very missed and very loved still each day. Her incredible kindness, both in spirit and in action, was inspiring. I still hear her loving, comforting voice often as I do things we used to do together, and I am so glad for the opportunity to know José. She was a good friend, guide, and an incredible person. And I can hear her voice and see her smile as she talked about her family, especially you three girls and those grandbabies! <3 Sending love each day, in prayer to you all. xoxo

Your mom is still missed. I remember the way she always made everyone feel welcomed and valued. May God continue to walk with you and bring His comfort as you grieve her loss.

I hear you about not usually being one to cry. I generally have avoided it. But one thing God has shown me lately is how they can be a means of healing, and so are a gift in that way. They're one of the more beneficial ways for emotions to come out, which they do in one way or another. It's frustrating though when the timing is a bit inconvenient- like the middle of church. Grief really isn't linear, and it sneaks up in surprising ways. Sometimes a certain song or food or smell you want to avoid because it's such an intense emotional memory, and other times it's a source of comfort. I think we tend to talk about grief like it's a bad thing, something to get through as quickly as possible so that you can go back to being happy. But grief has a place and serves a purpose, and it's okay to go there when you need to so that you can be sad about the person you're missing and heal from the hurt of losing them so soon. The loved ones I've lost have made me look forward to heaven even more, and, in a sense, made me feel connected to God in a new way- thinking about a grandparent I loved being with Jesus, talking to Him face to face the way we used to talk before they passed. I'm grateful that I had the chance to meet your mom, and I'm praying for you.

Danielle I really miss your Mom. I many favorite memories of your Mom. The way her & Uncle Karl would get in the kitchen & cook, the way she loved to dance with Uncle Karl & most of all the way she welcomed me into the family with open arms. Just remember she was loved by everyone. I love you & maybe one day I will get back to Massachusetts so I can see you all.