Maria & I shared many special times together.  I actually started being friends with the family when I was taking John to his doctor appointments with Maria by his side.  I enjoyed being with them because of their way of life. Always so happy!  Many times Maria would share with me how the children were doing.  Proud parents!  I became a person Maria turned to for help when she did not understand American ways.  I'll never forget the time I took her to a different address for her to do her banking.  She did not think she could use this one & I explained to her that this one was the Mama & Papa bank & the bank she was used to going to was one of the kids.  She laughed & always in the future ask if we were going to mama or kid bank.  I loved both of them & will miss Maria a lot.  I loved the way she spoke so precisely.  She had  great command of the English language.  After John passed & she stayed in more she had more trouble speaking our American language.  She would ask me "how you say" some words in English.  Then we would sort of play a game like is it food or clothing?  Is it a vegetable or fruit  pasta or potato  etc.  I so much enjoyed helping her to be more comfortable in our country. 

I feel so honored to have known John and Maria plus 2 of their children. I met several more relatives but had experiences with Sam & Chito   I consider them as friends forever!

For now I will say so long to Maria never good bye as we will see each other in Heaven!

Gloria Riga