That time happened for me today.
As David walked into the house, He handed me a sheet of paper.
It felt as if my Heart skipped a beat. It was a Memorial page.
I had wondered for a few months, (when I did payroll) What had happened to Rosa? I assumed she had returned to school. I had known of her doing that over the last 8 years. (leave work for a while to take classes)
Rosa was a sweet, quiet wisp of a girl. Rosa was 27 years old.
I often called Red bluff to inquire of something regarding payroll and she and I would chat, for a minute. Never any length of time.
I just knew she was there and polite and always with a smiling, happy voice.You could hear joy in her voice.
Rosa and I crossed paths many times but mostly in phone conversations.
However when you do not hear that voice for a while, or you miss seeing her time sheets cross your desk, You wonder and think of her and pray everything is OK in her life.
Rosa passed away in August. I recall doing her payroll August 1st.
That was the last time.
I often thought of asking if she had returned to school but was always TOO BUSY.
Now I am angry at the fact that I did not take the time to ask.
Time, Time, if only we had more of it. Would we use it wisely?
On her Memorial, A poem was published. A poem, Rosa wrote in her senior year.
I would like to take this opportunity to remember Rosa, a sweet, quiet, Happy to be alive young girl. One who embraced life. Rosa worked until July the 31st. That was the last check I cut for her. I pray she knew how much she meant to me, I never took the time to tell her.
"Life is Full of Changes, A Rose Bush"
Rosa Castorena
8-27-1982
8-23-2009
Life is full of change, not knowing what will come,
Living at its best, standing healthy and strong.
Wet or dry, the sun shining down, birds and bees flying all around.
Falling to the ground, waiting to get picked up.
The whistling of the wind, fighting for the best, surviving all the worst,
planted once again.
Growing to the top, reaching up high, high as the sky,"
Blooming different colors, smiling at one another."
I pray each of you read this poem and take the time, to say "I love or appreciate you, It can mean so much."
Rosa died of a brain tumor. She had been treated for several years but this time, it came back she was unable to fight. She was so tiny and so tired. She never showed it to the people that walked into the Copy Center in Red Bluff. She never lost the beautiful smile.
Rosa, you are missed.
1 comment:
Hello. I happened to stop at the Oroville Copy Center today and saw that the store was closed in honor of Rosa. I decided to look her up and saw your touching tribute. She must have been as loving and gracious as you say, for all the stores to close each year on this day. Thank you for introducing me to Rosa's life.
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