We know that life is fleeting. We know death can knock any time. But when it does so unexpectedly, we are knocked off our feet.
When we got the call about Cil Paz Marie Orot Nelson, the shock hurled us against the wall.
Heidi Willis penned “A Good Person is a Gift to the Whole World.” I upped it to “A Great Person is a Great Gift to the Whole World.”
Cil Paz Marie Orot Nelson was a great person. She was a great gift to the whole world, particularly our world. And God’s world.
Cil was relatively quiet – maybe because some of us talk too much. We all remember and celebrate her presence. Her smile was always there. Her eyes met yours. She listened and nodded. She chuckled. She shared. She hugged. Bev described their last hug in church. Cil said it like it was. No fear. Just honest and humble.
Cil shared how proud she was of Jennifer and Matthew and their families. She shared how she loved Albert, Fe, Mike and their families. She described their trip to the Philippines to see where their dad grew up.
Cil shared her good life with Ed. Many of us did not know him but we know if she chose him, he must be wonderful. Rosemary shared how happy Cil was when they got engaged.
Cil shared her joy of working in the yard, her orchids and how Vince would get her coconut husks. Last week at lunch, she said she wanted yellow hibiscus. We will find yellow hibiscus, Cil.
Cil shared with Alicia and Paula that she wanted to travel with the class to the Philippines. She messaged JoAnn she wanted to play Bingo. Bren shared how Cil checked in with her to make sure she followed up with her medical checks.
Cil’s calendar prioritized funerals she fervently attended.
Cil attended UoG. She worked at the Guam legislature with Speaker Joe T. San Agustin – from the time he started until he stopped. Cil served as a director at the Guam Public Library. She worked at the FD Endowment Office and the AOLG Endowment Office. Most recently, she helped the Catholic School System Office prepare its relocation.
Throughout the 1974 AOLG Golden Jubilee Reunion events, Cil was present. She met our returning sisters at the airport. She gave them rides. She and Ed enjoyed Salas Gardens. She shared memories – Santa Barbara with Paula, AOLG, baking, eating, helping, gardening, exploring, traveling, classes, when we got in trouble and when we didn’t.
She spoke often of her parents. She took her mom off-island for medical treatment and talked about how Maria Benito made her day when she stopped at the hospital.
Her parents welcomed us to their family fiestas. We drank from large fruit cans and relished the incredible food in their yard lush with plants and trees. Such love.
Cil was strong in her faith and strong in her family. Cil helped build countless futures. Cil was a great person who was a great gift to the whole world. And now, she is a gift above.
Thank you, Cil, for being our sister. Your memory will always warm our hearts and give us hope. Your loving smile beams. The text messages buzzing in our class chat show how much you are cherished. Rosemary, Ann, Marilyn are so right when they say the pictures of Cil are beautiful. Gosh, we miss you and love you to the moon and back, as Doris says.
Aline Yamashita is a mom, a teacher and former senator. She served in the 31st and 32nd Guam Legislatures. Send feedback to aline4families@gmail.com.
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