Today we pay respect to Mary Valdez, a woman of Christ like faith, love and devotion.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of accompanying the earthly remains of Mary Valdez to the final resting place in the picturesque area of Grand Mesa, Colorado. At age 97, she was transferred to the heavenly arms of those she cared so much for on earth. While riding shotgun, I received the distinct impression she was granted angelic wings so she was right there with us. The service to her family and the Catholic Church she served was deserving of the stretched Cadillac her casket was transported in. She was born in Mack, Colorado, and we waved to that rural farming hamlet as we drove by. Her Ora seemed to say she had the same dry humor of this writer, as when her nephew graduated from high school, she gave him a suitcase, as a hint he would be traveling far in the future. She was remembered as one you had spiritual strength; a zest for life and a witty sense of humor. Mass of the Christian Funeral was held in Salt Lake on January 22, 2018 and buried yesterday. We arrived an hour early, and the funeral director sat in the Hearst conducting other business. I sat in one of the many empty seats and tried to grasp the life of Mary Valdez. It was as though I could feel countless spiritual beings gathering about and felt the presence of others who had gone before her. She had no children of her own, but well served 12 siblings; numerous nieces, nephews and Catholic Fathers. It appeared she had prepared for this day, as she already put her tombstone in some fifty years before. God made tears and laughter and both for kind purposes. Yesterday, I shed no tears nor did I laugh, but had continual smiles of happiness for Mary-as mortal death was not a foe for her, but an inevitable adventure. Mary, it was a pleasure to get to know you and feel your Christ like devotion and love for all. Well done, you did and will do well!