December
23
2020
December 23, 2020
Journal Entry by Mary Buchberger — December 23, 2020
Friends and Family,
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we write to inform you that Mary passed away this morning. She did not suffer and passed peacefully in her living room, surrounded by her children and husband – just as she wanted it. We can assure you that our last week with Mary was full of innumerable moments of significant depth and connection that we will cherish forever. Each day we would read the many messages posted to Caring Bridge and texted/emailed to Mary. She loved hearing them, and I can also assure you, they gave her strength in a time of need – in fact, after nearly every reading Mary would remark “thank you”, a sign of her gratefulness to the comment’s author. As a family, we repeat that sentiment now: thank you – your kindness and love for Mary is felt and appreciated.
The time was further highlighted by watching a YouTube documentary of Mary’s beloved Glenwood Springs, and a final zoom call with all eleven of her siblings. It was a special time. Mary made sure to communicate a final message to her family, which was simple yet profound: “I love you and support you.” We will forever feel the same way.
We are hurting. We have lost the focal point of our family. The days, weeks, months, and years ahead will be difficult as we deal with this irreplaceable loss. In the immediate future, we will grieve as a family. We will recount the many memories of Mary’s legacy with joy, and we will help each other through the sadness.
We also know, somehow, life will go on. As we are forced to re-engage the world and push forward with our individual lives we will do so with a renewed commitment to our personal callings – in Mary’s honor. Indeed, this time has reinforced to us just how much Mary’s legacy will continue in this world through her children and the traditions she has established with her family. She will never be forgotten, and we hope to continue to make her proud.
Equally, perhaps now more than ever, we look to the next life with a renewed intensity in anticipation of the day when we get to feast and fellowship with Mary again in all the ways that she loved. We look forward to the time when God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there will no longer be any death, mourning, crying, or pain, as these things have passed away. We look forward to the day we get to see Mary again.
Until that day we will carry her spirit with us. As the song goes, we know that when we find ourselves in times of trouble our Mother Mary will come to us – and in our hours of darkness she will be standing right in front of us, speaking her words of wisdom that comforted us so often throughout the course of our lives. And as hard as it may seem, we will try now to let it be, and to carry the good forward, as we know this is what Mary wants of us.
Love always,
The Buchbergers
PS – More details to follow about memorial services. We are tentatively planning on having one in Cincinnati and one in Colorado, but deciding on the ideal time in the midst of COVID will be challenging. Please be patient with us as we try to workout the details.
Show your love and support for Mary.
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