I received this from Rocky tonight.
Marion:
Today at noon we buried Elizabeth. She had so many freinds and relatives that came from El paso, San Antonio, Tularosa, New Mex, L.A.Cal. Our church got so full we had to turn some away. I don't know if I told you, she died Mon. 7;40pm AS I held her in my arms, she gave her last breath. God giveth and God taketh, and we accept HIS will.. Even tho as mere mortals it is painful. The poem that Chuck put in his thread was read by my Grandaughter. The poem read like Elizabeth was talking to me. Thank you Chuck. It is going to be hard to adjust but with ALL YOUR SUPPORT I will make it. Again thank all of the 6th Corps. That includes Kyle in Germany. God Bless you all and all the troops overseas.
Roque Riojas
Here is my reply:
Rocky:
First let me say that you are one amazing man. For you to sit and write to me every single night is just incredible. I honestly don't know how you do it. I would be a basket case and unable to function. But yet, here you are each night to tell me what has transpired and to let us know how you feel. I am so touched by your fortitude and your loving thoughts, even going through what you are. It is a testament of the person you truly are.
You and Elizabeth have touched my life and I will never forget either one of you, no matter how many days, months or years that pass.
I am not surprised by the huge turnout. As stated above, it is a testament of what the two of you are all about.
I can remember like it was yesterday when my father passed on when I was merely twelve. The funeral director approached my mother and I and said that he had never seen a bigger turnout or a larger procession. Said that if he didn't know any better, he would have thought that it was a turnout for a dignitary such as the mayor. That was the biggest compliment to my father because he was such a loving, caring individual and it showed. Look at all the folks that attended to honor him.
Honey I hope you are okay. I know that this is so very hard, and no amount of words or anything else can lessen your pain. Your faith and your friends can guide you through, but none can feel the burden of your heart.
Thank you for keeping in touch with me, it makes me feel as though I am family. Bless your heart for all you do and all you are. I know Elizabeth is smiling down on you and saying, that's my Rocky. She was one lucky woman, as you were one lucky man.
I love you lots,
Marion
MARION,
I AM HERE VISITING MY DAD, ROCKY, TO BE HERE IN SUPPORT THROUGH THE LOSS OF ELIZABETH. SHE WILL BE SADLY MISSED, SHE WAS AN INSPIRATION TO ME. WE ALL KNOW SHE IS WITH GOD. I WAS HERE WHEN THE BEAUTIFUL
PLANT ARRIVED..THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO. HE THINKS FONDLY OF YOUR
FRIENDSHIP.
THERE WERE SO MANY PEOPLE AT THE CHURCH OVER 450 AND MANY WERE TURNED AWAY DUE TO LACK OF SPACE. SHE WAS LOVED BY MANY, ESPECIALLY BY MY DAD. THEY WERE TRULY IN LOVE AND I KNOW THAT HE WILL MISS HER
AGAIN, MANY THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO FOR HIM,
WITH LOVE AND MANY THANKS
IRENE BAHR, DAUGHTER OF ROQUE RIOJAS