lifted from Vicky Pastrana FB page December 30, 2020
All through her Alzheimer’s years, I have been very fortunate she’s always recognized me and always happy to see me, hence, my occasional trips to Colorado, given the opportunity to take her out for little walks, building my memories for her as shown in our photos.
She was always an inspiration for her resiliency and her courage having almost singlehandedly raised 5 sons and 2 daughters after being widowed at a young age, leaving her intellectual genes to the generations that followed. I remember how she juggled trying to finish her PhD ,taking care of her sick and dying husband, going to work and running a household.
I’ve always told Audie her strength and traits she shared with my own mom, I hope I can follow.
I remember her telling me back in 1980 when I just got back from my first trip to the US, that she too, has decided to migrate to the US for her UP salary will never be enough to feed her voracious boys, she was most concerned about their future.
She unselfishly gave her support to us young lovers at one time and was always welcoming to her household and that, I’m eternally grateful.
Mama, I know your days were numbered, that is exactly why I came to Colorado as needed. You deserved our care, whether you realized it or not.
You’ve done so much for us. You are loved and greatly appreciated