Yesterday, January 14, 2011 Pete Gonzalez and I attended funeral services for our dear friend, Henry Amaya; Husband of Sweet Elva Amaya, mother of Nelda Sosa, and Nelda's Step-Father. Pete and I discussed how good we felt for attending the services. You learn so much from life and death, but the most important thing I've learned is to just "be there". The amount of time, nor the gifts really matter in the end. It is the presence of loved ones. Pete and I both know that Nelda, Eddie, Elva, nor Henry would ever hold our inability to be present against us; however, their presence, for us, come rain or shine, had taught Pete and I both very valuable lessons. They "preached a sermon without words...as St. Francis is renowned for saying..."go preach the Gossiple, and when you have to, 'use words'". Their quiet example speaks volumes. I find myself making up excuses because of a cough or cold, when I do not want to face death or other difficult subjects; however, I stop and see Nelda, with no sight, lack of some motor skills, little stamina for sitting up in the same position for too long, and step-by-step she prepares herself for the journey to be beside her loved ones when in need. Her acts of selflessness are not just for a few special friends...no, Nelda has a large, loving family and when any of them need her, there she goes step-by-step preparing for the journey, and she does not only prepare physically but mentally, and most importantly spiritually. As this Blog Title reminds me...I find HOPE THROUGH NELDA'S SIGHT. Nelda sees beyond this broken world. The homily at Henry's funeral touched on this very subject...not hanging on to the brokeness of THIS WORLD but remembering the beauty that awaits us in the next. I know that Nelda truly sees that world like no other. Her vision is so much greater than any earth-bound creation. She sees Heaven with 20/20 vision and I continue to find my HOPE THROUGH NELDA'S SIGHT! Ironically, we had been trying to get together for a long time for simple fellowship and it never worked out,but last Saturday it came together. Pete grilled delicious chicken, steaks, sausage, and Eddie made his amazing dips. We ate and then the icing on the cake...Jill and John Honor were able to come over from the island to join us. What awesome fellowship! I will include pictures from that special evening, spent with precious friends! I pray Lord that we, as Christian Brothers and Sisters come together more often to fellowship and just worship you and your Great Goodness-Amen.