This was a text Paul received from a friend - "she's all better now". Mom returned to her eternal, heavenly home at 11:37am Ash Wednesday.

I worked in the morning and texted Paul at 11:21 to ask how Mom was doing. He said she was calm and breathing consistently. Ten minutes later, he called crying. I said I'll be right there. 

Paul and Dad were on either side of her holding her hands and saying the Lords Prayer. Paul exclaimed as he wept, "I'm so happy for you, Mom. Now you can be with your friends and family."

At 11:37, as I'm feverishly driving there in a F150 truck, a gust of wind hit me on the left side, and then the right, giving me a feeling of levitation. I said to myself "that was weird ... Mom is that you?" I felt a lightness. Then I asked her what song do you want me to sing? The song - Let Peace Begin With Me - came to mind.

I arrived 10 minutes after her transition. Paul and Dad still by her side. I kissed her forehead and sat by Dad. We all sang the song together - Let Peace Begin with me.

Steph and Josh arrived that afternoon and we were all able to say goodbye to her body. Later, when Steph, Josh and I walked out of their apartment after 5pm we heard a song in the hallway - Knock Knock Knocking at Heavens Door.  As we walked a few steps down the hall, Josh said, did you hear that? We returned to where the speaker was in the hall and it was on a totally different song. Cool!

Those moments made us feel love, light and support. Mom had a wonderful sense of humor!

Today, we will be with Dad and prepare a celebration for when Paul's family arrives, including Conni, Ashley, Chase, Charlie and Nick. This will be the first time we are together again since Ashley's wedding, including Steph, Josh, Aidan, Max, Addi, and Me and Jerry. Mom would love this!

We will be in touch again soon. For sure we know a St. John's mass will be dedicated to Mom in Port Washington on July 3.

Attached is a youtube of the song. Please share a sing. The words are just what Mom would intend "...to take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally ... let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."

With love, Julie