On April 14 I lost my oldest sister, Marie Ventre.
I returned home late on April 13 from my 4 and 1/2 month stay in Jupiter, Fla. As I had written in an earlier blog it is our last excursion to sunny Florida after 21 years. My husband has lost some of his eyesight, which made getting around Florida fall on my shoulders. I don't like Florida driving.
Anyway, I had talked to my sister on her birthday Feb. 12. She was in good spirits, but did have some pain in her back and stomach. The doctors never could find anything wrong. I received a dreaded phone call from her son, Michael one week before she passed. I called her immediately. Her very devoted husband, Lou, said he didn't think she'd be able to talk to me, but I asked if I could try. I said: "Marie, it's me. I'm flying home next Wednesday (April 13) and I'll be there to see you."
She responded in a very weak voice: "Louie she's coming home next Wednesday,"
I know she waited for me to get home. I just know she did. I got there first thing Thursday morning. She was very frail and did not seem to recognize me, but in my heart I know she did.
I told her I'm here and it's all right if you go to heaven and visit mom and daddy and Fran (one of my younger sister who passed at the age of 58.) That very afternoon my youngest sister, Edie, called to tell me she was gone.
I know she waited for me to get home. I just know in my heart she did.
Goodbye sweet Marie. You were loved by everyone who knew you. You were always warm and loving and remembered everyone in your daily prayers.
Goodbye sweet Marie.