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Messages from Ed's Beloved Wife Raquel ("Raqui") From 2014 |
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June 22, 2014 - A Salute to my Hero, Ed on the day of his Interment at Arlington on June 28, 2013 Dear Family & Friends There are ordinary men and there are Heroes. Heroes Never Die! So Ed walks with me as I carry his legacyI I remember so vividly the incredible ceremony at Arlington where you all accompanied me and gave me love and support and the memorable "Celebration of Life" where you shared your Remembrances of Ed and how he had touched your lives. One of those Special Verses was selected by Col. Rich Cowell and read by him together with BG Mike Bills, Col Doug Morrison and LTG Robert Wilson. WE REMEMBER THEM In the rising of the sun and its going down We Remember Them. In the bowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, We Remmeber Them. In the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring, We Remember Them. In the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer, We Remember Them. In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn, We remember Them. In the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember Them. When we are weary and in need of strength, We Remember Them. When we are lost and sick of heart, We Remember Them. When we have joys and special celebrations we yearn to share, We Remember Them. As long as we live, they too shall live, for they are part of us, as We Remember Them. I selected this song from John Denver, "My Sweet Lady", since it captures the words Ed would say to me at this time. Lady, my sweet lady Did You think our time together was all gone? Lady, you've been dreaming, I'm as close as I can be And I swear to you our time has just began Close your eyes and rest your weary mind I promise I will stay right here beside you The day our lives were joined, we were entwined I wish that you could know how much I love you Lady are you happy? do you feel the way I do? Are there meanings that you've never seen before? Lady, my sweet lady, I just can't believe its true And its like I've never ever loved before Close your eyes and rest your weary mind I promise I will stay right here beside you The day our lives were joined, we were entwined I wish that you could know how much I love you Lady, are you crying, do the tears belong to me? Did you think our time together was all gone? Lady, my sweet lady, I'm as close as I can be And I swear to you, our time has just began I cry as I write this lines, but they are also tears of joy, because I am blessed to have had such a love surround me. Thanks for letting me share my feelings as you are all part of my family and I am so grateful to have you all in my life as I continue my journey With love and prayers, Raqui |
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May 9, 2014 Dear Family & Friends, I am writing this message earlier as I leave for San Antonio, TX on Thursday, May 1-4 with Doug to attend the 30th reunion of the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society where I will moderate the Ladies Panel and sign Ed’s books. Some Men leave their mark in this world by the way they live And the difference they make in the lives they touch, Ed was one of them! As I continue my journey, and read your Remembrances of him, I know how much he meant to all of you and especially to me… So on his birthday; the 9th of May, I dedicate this verse from the ECLGA (EAST CENTRAL LUZON GUERILLA AREA) in 1964: When Edwin’s eyes are smiling Sure it’s like a morn in spring; In the lilt of Edwin’s laughter You can hear the angels sing; When Edwin’s eyes are happy All the world seems bright and gay And when Edwin’s eyes are smiling Sure they steal our hearts away. I chose this song from Andy Williams to remember him on his day: The Shadow of your Smile One day we walked along the sand One day in early spring You held a piper in your hand To mend its broken wing Now I’ll remember many a day And many a lonely mile The echo of a piper’s song The shadow of a smile The shadow of your smile When you are gone Will color all my dreams And light the dawn Look into my eyes My love and see All the lovely things You are to me Our wistful little star Was far too high A teardrop kissed your lips And so did I Now when I remember spring All the joy that love can bring I will be remembering The Shadow of your Smile! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DARLING ED! We’ll celebrate you on the 9th at the La Jolla Country Club With Lee and Roz Levenson and all the San Diego family. With love and thanks for being there with me all this time, Raqui |
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March 7, 2014 Dear Family & Friends, On his one year anniversary, I chose to quote the words of Gen. Douglas MacArthur who pinned the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) on Ed on June 13, 1945 and had spoken these words on March 7, 1945 at the Topside Parade Grounds, Corregidor, Philippine Islands: Col. Jones: “Sir, I present to you the fortress of Corregidor.” Gen. MacArthur: “The capture of Corregidor is one of the most brilliant operations in military history. Outnumbered two to one, our command, by its unfaltering courage, its invincible determination and its professional skill, overcame all obstacles and annihilated the enemy. I have cited to the order of the day all units involved and I take pride in awarding you as Commander, the Distinguished Service Cross as a symbol of the fortitude, the devotion and the bravery with which you fought. I see that old flagpole still stands; have the troops hoist the colors to its peak, and let no enemy ever haul them down.” At a time when there is so much turmoil in the world, it’s good to recall the bravery and steadfast dedication of these men, like Ed, as we pray for our Men and Women of the Armed Forces who face incredible odds in various places of the world. This is a very difficult month for me as Ed was gone on March 7 but I know that he will be with me for eternity, so I chose this beautiful and heartwarming song from Josh Groban: “TO WHERE YOU ARE” Who can say for certain Maybe you’re still here I feel you all around me Your memory’s so clear Deep in the stillness I can hear you speak You’re still an inspiration Can it be That you are mine Forever Love And you are watching over me From up above Fly me up To where you are Beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight To see you smile If only for awhile To know you’re there A breath away’s too far To where you are Are you gently sleeping Here inside my dream? And isn’t faith believing All power can’t be seen? As my heart holds you Just one beat away I cherish all you gave me every day ‘Cause you are my Forever Love Watching me From up above And I believe That angels breathe And that love will live on and never leave Fly me up To where you are Beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight To see you smile If only for awhile To know you’re there A breath away’s not far To where you are I know you’re there A breath away’s not far To where you are So say a prayer for me tonight as I turn off the light, for I know you are with me in my dreams! All my love and prayers, Raqui |
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February 5, 2014 Dear Family & Friends, This is a special month for Ed and me as we celebrated my birthday and Valentines Day together every year for 34 years. However, this year he is not here physically, so I wrote these lines to remember his anniversary on Feb.7 Where are you my Valentine? I want to celebrate with you as we used to do, Each and every year It will never be the same because you are not here with me But one thing I can say for sure, You will always be My Valentine Year after Year! I selected this song from Andy Williams titled “Love Story” because it tells our life story: Where do I begin? To tell the story Of how great a love can be The sweet love story That is older than the sea The simple truth about the love he brings to me Where do I start? With the first hello He gave the meaning To this empty world of mine That never did Another love another time He came into my life And made the living fine He fills my heart With very special things With angel songs With wild imaginings He fills my soul With so much love That anywhere I go I’m never lonely With him along who could be lonely I reach for his hand It’s always there How long does it last? Can love be measured by the hours in a day? I have no answer now But this much I can say I know I’ll need him till the stars all fade away And he’ll be there And he’ll be there! So all you young lovers on this Valentines Day, Hold your loved one so tightly so he /she never goes away Since your love comes from up above And the bond is so special It will remain alive till the very last day! HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!! All my love and good wishes, Raqui |
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January 19, 2014 Dear Friends, I am sending you a picture of the New Years Eve Ball at the Del Coronado Hotel with my family from Canada and Admiral Lee and Roz Levenson. It was particularly emotional since this was the night I met Ed 34 years ago and we became life time partners after a dance. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas |
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January 6, 2014 Dear Family & Friends, I just returned from the Del Coronado Hotel in San Diego where we celebrated Christmas and the New Year with family and friends. I reconnected with so many of you and it was a magical time. Since Ed and I met on New Years Eve, I wrote this poem and dedicate it to him. Where were you on New Years Eve? Whose arms were you holding as you danced across the floor? When it’s exactly twelve o’clock that night You welcomed the New Year on New Years Eve. It seemed crazy to suppose that I was the one you chose To dance and be a partner for life from that New Years Eve Night But that’s what will always be from now until eternity I will dance with you my love on New Years Eve!!! I selected this song from Andy Williams as I wish you all A Happy and Healthy 2014! May Each Day in the week be a good day May the Lord always watch over you And may all of your hopes turn to wishes And may all of your wishes come true May each day in the month be a good day May you make friends with each one you meet And may all of your daydreams be memories And may all of your memories be sweet The weeks turn to months and the months into years There’ll be sadness and joy; there’ll be laughter and tears One thing I pray to Heaven above May each of your days be a day full of love May each day of the year be a good day May each dawn find you happy and gay And may all of your days be as lovely As the one you shared with me today. May each day of your life be a good day And Good Night!!! I have not had the chance to open your cards and letters as well as respond to your emails. I will do so in the coming weeks. Thank you all for remembering Ed and me during our anniversary and all the past 34 years of our time together. Hope you had a marvelous time with your families and that the New Year brings you blessings and peace! Love and prayers, Raqui |