Yankee Fans Unite

My dear Yankee family.

First of all, an apologize for suddenly dissapearing from here, my Yankee home, with no explanation, for about a month. But I had to. As some of you already know, my mother in law was sick. Really sick. An aggressive cancer.

These past weeks were truly hard. And I just wanted to be with my lovely wife Patricia. We've always heard about how hard the last days are for a cancer patient. But we never imagined how hard. Thank God, my mother in law passed away this last Wednesday, July 15.

During that unforgettable speech from Lou Gehrig, he mentioned these words:
"When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter - that's something."
Yes. That's something, Lou. You said those words 70 years ago. I can repeat them now. Exactly the same words.

So, here I am, asking for your prayers. Her name was Rosa María, but all of us called her Rosita, the best mother in law you can imagine.

Here she is, with my kids Natalia and Jorge, on her last Christmas.

Jorge, my condolences to you and your family in this time of hardship. It's never easy losing a family member and it's even more painful when it happens to someone who was so wonderful.

Jorge, hon, I'm very sorry to hear this news. I figured since you haven't been around, that it probably had to do with your mother-in-law, who I remembered was very sick.

You certainly haven't had an easy time the past year or so with losing so many loved ones. I'm glad that you have such wonderful memories of them all, though.

And be assured that I will keep you and your family in my prayers during this difficult time, and of course prayers offered for the repose of dear Rosita's soul into her heavenly reward. (Although, she already seemed to be a saint on earth!)

My condolences, Jorge. Losing a family member is unspeakably painful, but I know that you and Patricia will be able to persevere.

QDEP, Rosita.

Lo siento mucho, Jorge. Pero por lo menos ella ya no sufre. Acuerdate: no es un despedido para siempre. La verás otra vez después de esta vida.

Jorge, please accept my condolences on Rosita's passing; especially for Patricia, losing her mother.

It is poignant, recalling Lou Gehrig's speech in this context, and like Lou, she has gone on to a better place.

Hang in there, my friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Thanks a lot, my Yankee family. It is comforting to "hear" such kind words from you.

Of course I'll tell Patricia and the kids. About them, let me tell you this. Thank God, Young Jorge could arrive from Madrid in time to watch his grandmother. And, fortunately, she recognized him. Although she had no strenght to talk anymore, she could raise her arms to touch him. It was, precisely, a touching moment for all of us.

Once again, thanks a lot to all of you, Andrew, Char, Karl, Rob, Chuck and the rest of the gang.