Wednesday afternoon my husband John, Johnny and I drove to the SF airport to bid farewell to Abelina. When we arrived, around 9:30, they were immediately escorting Abelina, her brother Hector and sister Gloria to the gate. I asked if they could wait a little bit so John, who was parking the car, could also say goodbye? As we took our last photographs and hugged and kissed, a lady working for the airline, waited behind us with a walkie talkie.
John finally arrived to say goodbye and again we took more photographs. We exchanged hugs and kisses and talked about, how much we would miss one another, tears immediately filled all our eyes. We bid farewell trying to hold back our emotions, with little success. We followed Abelina, Hector and Gloria all the way until they checked Id's and they went through the metal detector. We were told to stand back, because we were "to close". Then the three of us stood there looking at one another and said, " I guess it's time to go." I suppose we thought we would be able to spend more time with her, but the reality is the longer it dragged on the harder it would have become.
One thing I know is, that the friendship we once shared will be different, but stronger.
We used to talk on the phone several times a week figuring out when we could get together again. Once we got together it seemed like we had never been apart. We enjoyed sharing dinners at one anothers houses, going out to eat at Boca, The Wildfox, The Red Grape, Grazie, Ming Yang's and many more establishments. We spent summer vacations together, one in beautiful Maui and the last visiting her home town, Montosso. We also, loved the occasional shopping trip, boy did we both know how to spend. Our girls certainly enjoyed these outings with their mommy's. Matter of fact the last time I saw Abelina standing was at H & M at the Westfield Mall the weekend before October 12Th. She had decided at the last minute to join us to watch the Blue Angels in SF. She brought Claudia along for the fun. We went down near pier 29 to watch the festivities with my entire family and the Land's. What a day filled with aeronautics, hot dogs, photographs and friends. Claudia mentioned earlier that day, that she really wanted to go shopping. So Abelina decided that night at The Hard Rock Cafe that they would stay overnight. We woke up that morning and walked to Starbucks enjoying the usual tea for me and extra foamy latte with a snikerdoodle. John being the kind of guy he is just ordered a plain coffee. We enjoyed our treats and walked back. After that, we decided to go shopping. The girls were so excited and being that Abelina did not have any clothes for her Sunday open house we made a stop at H & M. As usual we made our way to the dressing room to try on our hoards of clothes. Abelina always would come out to model and ask us how her outfit looked. So, as she normally did, she came out in an outfit I don't quite remember. Because as you know, with Abelina it's not the outfit that draws attention, it's her. But I do remember she had a full skirt on and little white pumps. She twirled around and said, "how do I look?" We all said, "you look beautiful." She then purchased the outfit from H&M. We said our goodbye's since she needed to be in Novato by 12:30 to set up for her open house. We hugged and kissed and talked about what a wonderful day we had had the day before. This was the last time I saw her walk, but as a lot of you believe. If anyone can walk again, it's Abelina Herrera Rodriguez Magaña.
I will always cherish my frienship with my beautiful friend and I belive God brought us together for a purpose. She has helped me in ways that she may never realize. As well as her three brillant children.
I love you Abelina , Abraham Jr., Claudia, Angelito and all the Herrera family.
I will see you soon!
Diana
John finally arrived to say goodbye and again we took more photographs. We exchanged hugs and kisses and talked about, how much we would miss one another, tears immediately filled all our eyes. We bid farewell trying to hold back our emotions, with little success. We followed Abelina, Hector and Gloria all the way until they checked Id's and they went through the metal detector. We were told to stand back, because we were "to close". Then the three of us stood there looking at one another and said, " I guess it's time to go." I suppose we thought we would be able to spend more time with her, but the reality is the longer it dragged on the harder it would have become.
One thing I know is, that the friendship we once shared will be different, but stronger.
We used to talk on the phone several times a week figuring out when we could get together again. Once we got together it seemed like we had never been apart. We enjoyed sharing dinners at one anothers houses, going out to eat at Boca, The Wildfox, The Red Grape, Grazie, Ming Yang's and many more establishments. We spent summer vacations together, one in beautiful Maui and the last visiting her home town, Montosso. We also, loved the occasional shopping trip, boy did we both know how to spend. Our girls certainly enjoyed these outings with their mommy's. Matter of fact the last time I saw Abelina standing was at H & M at the Westfield Mall the weekend before October 12Th. She had decided at the last minute to join us to watch the Blue Angels in SF. She brought Claudia along for the fun. We went down near pier 29 to watch the festivities with my entire family and the Land's. What a day filled with aeronautics, hot dogs, photographs and friends. Claudia mentioned earlier that day, that she really wanted to go shopping. So Abelina decided that night at The Hard Rock Cafe that they would stay overnight. We woke up that morning and walked to Starbucks enjoying the usual tea for me and extra foamy latte with a snikerdoodle. John being the kind of guy he is just ordered a plain coffee. We enjoyed our treats and walked back. After that, we decided to go shopping. The girls were so excited and being that Abelina did not have any clothes for her Sunday open house we made a stop at H & M. As usual we made our way to the dressing room to try on our hoards of clothes. Abelina always would come out to model and ask us how her outfit looked. So, as she normally did, she came out in an outfit I don't quite remember. Because as you know, with Abelina it's not the outfit that draws attention, it's her. But I do remember she had a full skirt on and little white pumps. She twirled around and said, "how do I look?" We all said, "you look beautiful." She then purchased the outfit from H&M. We said our goodbye's since she needed to be in Novato by 12:30 to set up for her open house. We hugged and kissed and talked about what a wonderful day we had had the day before. This was the last time I saw her walk, but as a lot of you believe. If anyone can walk again, it's Abelina Herrera Rodriguez Magaña.
I will always cherish my frienship with my beautiful friend and I belive God brought us together for a purpose. She has helped me in ways that she may never realize. As well as her three brillant children.
I love you Abelina , Abraham Jr., Claudia, Angelito and all the Herrera family.
I will see you soon!
Diana
3 comments:
I love everyone too! =)
<3, Megan H.
Thank you Diana for the beautiful description of your farewell to Abelina. You have truly touched me in your devotion and love for your friend Abelina. I wrote down this quote at a retreat I was on this weekend, and now it seems so perfect to write to you, and to pass along to sweet Abelina...
"Fear
When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take the step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for us to stand on, or we will be taught to fly".
I believe that Abelina will fly.
Love Aileen
Thank's Aileen that's beautiful.
Diana
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