It is hard to believe that one year ago today, my sister's mortal remains were laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Michigan.
One very striking image from that day was captured when Belinda's five nieces and nephews, her "five diamonds," assisted her Mother and brother Joe in carrying the casket containing her body on the last leg of its physical journey.
Her family remained by her side until the very end.
Belinda was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer the day before her 46th birthday, and was called home to be with the Lord on December 14, 2011, at the age of 48.
It was the feast day of St. John of the Cross. This morning while waiting to turn left at an intersection on my way home after Holy Mass, I happened to see a funeral procession in the distance.
So many things remind me of Belinda, and especially most recently, of the day she was buried.
She was laid to rest the day after our Mother turned 70 years old. Yesterday my three children and I visited my mother at her home to spend time together on her birthday, and celebrate the tremendous gift of her life.
After arriving in the early afternoon, greeting one another, and wishing Mom a happy birthday, I went upstairs and paid a visit to my sister's bedroom, the place where she passed into eternity.
I bent down, and kissed her bed.
The view from Belinda's bedroom included a cross.
Belinda's copy of Divine Intimacy rests on her bed. It was bookmarked in two places:
Let Us Make Good Use of Time and The Virtues and the Gifts.
Then, I went downstairs to be part of even more meaningful moments.
Pictures of my children and me in a frame next to Belinda's bed.
The pictures were taken during a treasured summer trip to Traverse City, Michigan.
Later that day, just before we left for home to get ready for Holy Mass, my mother brought a jewelry box into the kitchen where we had gathered, and set it on the table. It had belonged to my sister, and Mom wanted me to have it.Apparently, Belinda didn't keep anything in it. I opened it up to examine it, and determined that we would find use for it in the filming studio, where her intercession will be needed.
The plan is to keep camera cards and other equipment organized in the box.
Upon closer examination of the box, I saw that it was not quite empty.
There was a small silver cross inside.
That cross was given to me years ago by a couple who were daily Mass friends from my former parish. One year, they went to the Holy Land, bought several silver crosses, and touched them to various sites of great significance in the life, passion, and death of Jesus.
The cross had been touched to the place where Jesus was Scourged.
The music box joins the sound mixer in the studio.
I had given the cross to Belinda, and now, the cross was being returned to me. That very special cross was immediately attached to the St. Benedict Cross I always wear.
Since her death, the Lord has allowed Belinda to visit me three times. Each time I was suffering, and each time I was shown Belinda suffering, and then superimposed over her suffering countenance I saw her glorified face. She is no longer suffering, and is now so full of joy.Three times the Lord granted this very special favor to remind me that patient suffering in imitation of Christ has tremendous value, and to encourage me to persevere.
Once, Belinda appeared to my daughter Alyssa, who is thirteen. Belinda was smiling, and waved to Alyssa. The Lord had allowed her to visit and say "hello." While she is not with us physically, she remains very much with us and a part of our lives.
One time, after Belinda had died, the family was looking online for a restaurant to meet for a special occasion. I viewed a map on my computer to locate the place, and the name of only one street was visible on the map. Just one street. No others. There were no names of any of the major streets on the map! The name of the only street on the map? Belinda.
Just before wrapping up Belinda's jewelry box yesterday to take it to its new home at Apostolate Studio, I turned it over and noticed that it is also a music box. I find music boxes so very delightful.I wound it up, eager to hear the melody. It is "Beautiful dreamer."
And so today, we find ourselves one day closer to being reunited with Belinda in eternity.
I have special dreams of that day, and all of them are very beautiful.
Thank You, most generous and loving God, for creating Belinda. She remains a priceless gift to us, and we love her forever.
A message left in Belinda's notebook in English, on a page written in French.
"I'll be missing you all."
Prior to Belinda's Funeral Holy Mass at her parish.
Belinda's nephews, my sons Nick and Andre, at the cemetery.
Belinda loved doting on her nephews and nieces, especially at Christmas and Easter.
Her Infant of Prague statue is seen through her niece Alyssa's Easter Basket after her death.
That statue is now kept at Apostolate Studio, and is joined there by her music box.
Belinda, with Nick, before her diagnosis.
Some precious memories and an important reminder for us all:
"Don't Wait"
Belinda with two of her "diamonds," Nick and Alyssa, in 2011.
Some precious memories and an important reminder for us all:
"Don't Wait"
