By Janice Elizabeth Berte
Hudson – The coronavirus is causing all of us to experience various types of frustration and grief whether it is from a job loss or losing a loved one. My mother, Margaret Mary Correa, who was in her eighties, and basically a healthy woman, succumbed to the tragic fate of this deadly virus on April 23.
As I visited my mom before this pathogen hit the states, the stench of death in these nursing homes always made me feel uncomfortable and sad. The news reports were bleak, although innately I knew this invisible killer would sneakily erode through the halls and eventually terminate the lives of many patients.
It was 11:30 p.m. and the news came in from the administrator giving me a thunderous jolt through my heart. My husband and I were not allowed to see her at the facility. And we were told by the funeral director that 10 people were allowed at the cemetery keeping 6 feet apart from each other. This news was harsh to hear since my sisters and I would have wanted a more traditional wake and funeral.
Wearing a mask and gloves, I was allowed to see her at the funeral home where she was put in a hermetically sealed casket; and permission was granted where I could stand next to the casket if I chose to. However, I felt it was so surreal that I kept gasping for air and sheepishly walked closer to this large ornate box. I yearned to kiss my mother one last time on her forehead, and hold her pretty fragile hand, but sadly, none of that happened.
In honor of my mother, I thought these fun facts would bring joy and peace for everyone.
First, my mother was the most domesticated person you will ever meet. Our home was spotless and so organized given that seven people lived in it. Her culinary skills were through the roof, and she could make a mean dish of stuffed peppers and tomatoes.
Mother loved R&B music and adored Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, the 5th Dimension and really any group from that genre of music. We also loved to watch Soul Train on Saturday mornings, and dance in the kitchen to MJ’s – Dancing, Dancing, Dancing, she’s a dancing machine.
She loved Boston, and all that it had to offer. She reveled in taking boat cruises around the harbor.
And, most important was her heart of gold. My mother always helped family and friends in need. She was always there no matter what time of day or circumstance. No task was too difficult for her.
As I sadly conclude this homage, my heart is hurting so bad with incessant crying and littered tears on my keyboard. The tissue filled wastepaper baskets need to be emptied. But, know one thing Mom, we will definitely meet again in heaven and dance to all of our favorite music.
Rest in peace my beautiful mother; I love you so much,
Janice Elizabeth
