Thanksgiving? ...by Sr. Dorothy

Maria Paz Vital with her granddaughters in 2023

Our Sr. Paz was not with us this year to celebrate Thanksgiving. On the evening of Saturday, November 23, she received a phone call from her family: her mother had unexpectedly passed, following a fall earlier in the day. This was shocking news for her and all of us. Sr. Paz left early the next day to join her family in California.

How does a person give thanks when bereft of a mother?

It helps to be held by the rest of the family, who are also grieving. Who tell stories together of all the times they had with their mother and grandmother for so many years. Who laugh and cry together, cook and eat and talk together as they make preparations for her funeral.

I would guess that Sr. Paz and her family gave thanks for their mother's life, for her care for all of them, for the good food she cooked for them, even for her discipline. For her life of faith that by example taught them about the spiritual life, grounded in the everyday actions she took to show her love and care for all of them.

Maria Paz Vital, rest in peace.

Posted at 6:00AM on December 6, 2024 by Dorothy Robinson, OSB • Tagged Benedictine Sisters of Lacey, St. Placid Priory, Thanksgiving, remembering, a mother's death, family. • Comments: 4

Comments

Comment posted by Marion Laurendeau on December 7, 2024 at 12:12PM (44 days ago)

Reading about loss of a loved one made me realize that grief is to be shared. My husband, Ray, passed away on Sept. 5th not long after we celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary. I had support from family and friends which eases the loss. The holiday season brings mixed emotions. I'd like to schedule a visit with you soon.
Love, Marion
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- Comment posted by Sr. Dorothy on December 7, 2024 at 3:09PM (44 days ago)
  
  Oh, Marion... I am so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. And I hope we can get together soon--I will send you a private message! love--Dorothy
  
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Comment posted by Janice Ariza on December 6, 2024 at 9:36AM (45 days ago)

Shedding a tear as I read this today.
Thank you, Sr. Dorothy
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- Comment posted by Sr. Dorothy on December 6, 2024 at 9:59AM (45 days ago)
  
  Amen, Janice...
  
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Comment posted by Kathy on December 6, 2024 at 9:32AM (45 days ago)

Sending continued prayers blessing and condolences to Sr. Paz, to her family and to friends.
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- Comment posted by Sr. Dorothy on December 6, 2024 at 9:58AM (45 days ago)
  
  Thank you, Kathy!
  
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Comment posted by Sr Julian on December 6, 2024 at 9:06AM (45 days ago)

What a beautiful picture of Sr Paz'' family! Thank you for talking about the losses in life and yet finding ways to be grateful.
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- Comment posted by Sr. Dorothy on December 6, 2024 at 9:58AM (45 days ago)
  
  You're welcome! Praying for all of them...
  
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