Letters to Heaven during Advent: My Cup is Overflowing with Blessings

"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." - Agnes M. Pharo

December 15, 2009

Dear Jesus:

I normally don't have to do taxes in December but this has been one strange year. I guess I should be grateful. If all the work had come in during the summer, at the peak of Rafi's illness, it would have been very tough for me. Instead, my clients' delay gave me the extra time to dedicate to him. Now that he's better, I have been able to spend the extra hours at work.

I finished this week all the pending work that I had on my desk. This gave me billing time which I normally don't have at this time of the year. Since I moved to a new office, this extra income is very welcome as I now have a higher rent. I know, Jesus, that with your help, I will be able to cover all the extra expenses.

Alex is in the midst of final exams. We gave him a pretty tight study schedule, so he's been studying all weekend. We did allow him to go on Friday to Belen's football game at Lake Wales. They won. They will be playing for the state championship next Friday in Orlando for the first time ever. The school is definitely not in "finals" mood, but we are trying to keep Alex focused here at home. Rafe already told him that he has to get As and Bs on every exam in order to be able to go to the game on Friday. Of course, we may not know all the results by Friday but he's just trying to be tough with Alex so that he puts the effort.

Chabeli is also in the middle of finals. She had her Business Law final on Friday and it was a very difficult test. She was burned out from so much studying. I hardly saw her all week because she spent most of the time in the library studying.

Rafi finished his FIU finals on Thursday, and left to Princeton three days ago. I was pretty anxious, but calm at the same time. I felt that You were in control of the whole situation. Jesus, if he's going to be fine at Princeton, open the doors for him so he can return next semester. Otherwise, keep him here, Jesus.

I love You, Jesus!!!

December 15, 2017

Dear Jesus:

History repeats itself once again. This year, I also find myself doing taxes in December. And I am not happy. December is not meant for taxes. December is meant for Advent. December should be a time of joy and festivities as we prepare for your birth. But this year, a hurricane pushed all tax deadlines until the end of January, and as hard as I tried to be done by Thanksgiving, I still have two clients that are keeping me on my toes. But I am thankful that I have a job when many don't.

This year, we have a lot to celebrate, and a lot to be thankful for. My cup is overflowing with blessings. Alex officially finished his college years this week. He took his last final exam on Wednesday, and now he is home. He also got a job offer from a great company yesterday. I'm sad because if he accepts it, he will be moving to Dallas. But I am super happy for him. And very, very proud. He's had one amazing year. In nine days, my baby will be twenty-three years old. So we will celebrate his birthday, Your birthday, and his graduation all on the same weekend.

We are also celebrating the end of a decade. We began our college journey ten years ago with Rafi. We are finally done. I have to tell You, Jesus, it was a very tough decade in more ways than one. College may be great for the kids but it's pretty tough on the parents. Tough on the pocket and tough on the heart. My kids, especially my boys, have put me through the wringer. But we survived it, and today, I couldn't be prouder of all they have accomplished. I truly believe that the best gift we gave them was their education. Now it's up to them to use it wisely, and make a good future for themselves, their spouses and the children that one day You will hopefully send them.

I am looking forward to continue this Advent journey, as I prepare myself both externally and internally to celebrate Your birth. And having a full house surrounded by all my "pollitos" will be the best Christmas gift. Yes, my cup is definitely overflowing with blessings.

I love You, Jesus!!! 

Letters to Heaven during Advent: Heaven Gained an Angel

"Ever felt an angel’s breath in the gentle breeze? A teardrop in the falling rain? Hear a whisper amongst the rustle of leaves? Or been kissed by a lone snowflake? Nature is an angel’s favorite hiding place." ~ Carrie Latet

December 13, 2011

Dear Mama Mary:

Yesterday was the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, but today is also your day. Most of your apparitions take place on the thirteenth of any month. Mama Mary, on this special day, the thirteenth of December, I want to pray for You to intercede for Baby Nico. If Your Son wants to, He can perform a miracle.

I have been praying to John Paul II too. I know that Alina has been praying to him as well. This miracle would catapult him into sainthood. Yet, it's not our will but Your Son's will. If Nico won't be able to lead a normal life, then Mama Mary, ask Your Son to take him home to heaven. I know that You will take care of him in heaven. Heaven will gain an angel.

If a miracle will bring blessings to the Hernandez family, and it will glorify Your Son, then Mama Mary please intercede for this miracle. John Paul II, you do your part too. Before Nico was born, I was praying to John Paul II for a miracle for Rafi. I asked John Paul II to intercede so that Rafi would be fully healed. I didn't want him to be on medication for the rest of his life. After Baby Nico was born, I realized that I was being selfish. Rafi already received his miracle. As long as he takes the medication, he can lead a normal life. As far as total healing, others need it more. And so, I changed my prayer and began to pray for a complete healing for Baby Nico.

It doesn't look good but faith is the last thing that we lose. However, if Nico is meant to go to heaven, then John Paul II, look out for him. Mama Mary, carry him in your arms. Jesus, embrace him. Please, hug his young mom, Caro, and console his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and the rest of his family. Baby Nico came with a purpose, and he has done more in three months than most of us will do in a lifetime.

I love You, Mama Mary!!!

December 13, 2017

Dear Mama Mary:

Today, Baby Nico is celebrating his sixth birthday in heaven. I know that he is up there with You, playing with the angels. Heaven gained a new angel when You carried him home.

Many people were praying for a miracle of healing. Our wish was not granted. I remember how devastated I was on that day when I arrived to Belen, ran into Father Willie, and he told me that he was on his way to the hospital because Baby Nico was being disconnected from life support. I had never seen Father Willie more distraught. I had already prayed a rosary to You that morning, but nevertheless, I prayed another rosary on my way home. My heart was breaking into a million pieces for the Hernandez family.

In the past six years, they have been blessed with the birth of Bella, and there is a new baby girl, Nina, soon to be born. But they will forever carry Baby Nico in their hearts. The miracle of his life came soon after his departure. They created Nico's Promise, the foundation that provides bereavement services to parents that have lost a child. Even though the miracle that your Son granted was not the one that everyone was praying for, Baby Nico came with a purpose and he fulfilled it in just three short months.

I pray to You, Mama Mary, for Caro and her pregnancy. May she deliver a healthy baby girl. I also pray for Bella and Nina, to have long, healthy, happy lives. Bless them and protect them always. I know they have an angel in heaven looking down on them and watching their every step.

Happy Birthday, Baby Nico.

I love You, Mama Mary!!!

Letters to Heaven during Advent: You are the Reason

"Christmas is not just a time for festivity and merry making. It is more than that. It is a time for the contemplation of eternal things. The Christmas spirit is a spirit of giving and forgiving." --J. C. Penney in "Christmas Thoughts"

December 10, 2011

Dear Jesus:

Here I am! I have come to do your will. I'm spending one hour with You in the Adoration Chapel at St. Louis. I know that You are here present in full body and blood. I have always believed that the blessed host is truly Your Body. And coincidentally, this past month we have been talking about this in Bible class. One thing that truly got to me is that just like the Virgin Mary conceived You by the power of the Holy Spirit, a simple piece of bread can turn into Your Body and a simple cup of wine can turn into Your Blood by the power of the Holy Spirit. Also, just like the Father created the heavens and the earth out of nothing just by ushering a word, He can turn bread and wine into Your Body and Blood just by ushering a word. It's truly amazing and therefore, here I am in Your Presence.

In two weeks it's Your Birthday. I'm trying really hard to prepare spiritually for that moment. I am failing miserably. Last Sunday, the second Sunday of Advent, I didn't even make it to mass. I wanted to go to confession on Monday night and I didn't. I wanted to go today but it's not going to be possible. It seems that my calendar is becoming crowded with things of the world, and I'm not giving myself time for You.

Yes, I know, I am here. But, is it enough? Why do I allow the decorating, gift buying, etc, to overwhelm me so much? No matter how much I plan in advance, it still catches up with me. Yesterday, I was still buying gifts online. I still want to buy a couple of small items to place inside the kids' boots, and on and on it goes.

Please, Jesus, help me to focus all my energy on You. After all, You are the reason for the season. Help me to place You at the very top of my priority list so that You can truly be born again in my heart.

I love You, Jesus!!!

December 10, 2017

Dear Jesus:

History tends to repeat itself. Yesterday, I spent the morning shopping. This year, I started late so I still had a lot pending on my Christmas gift list. But it was a very productive morning. I'm almost done. And I kept my promise this year not to be overwhelmed. I was at Aventura Mall by 9:30. I beat the crowds, and by 1 pm, when the mall was getting pretty crowded, I was done.

In the afternoon, I really tried to make it to confession. I thought confessions lasted an hour, but they only lasted 45 minutes so I was one minute late. Oh well, You know I tried my best. I did stay for mass, and I will try again next week.

I am trying very hard, Jesus, to make You my priority this Advent. I know that there are other things that need to be done, but I am keeping You up front and center in everything that I'm doing. After all, You are the reason for the season.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven during Advent: True Happiness

"Holy Spirit of God, open my hands, my eyes, my ears, all my senses, and all of my heart so I will be ready to receive your Advent blessings." Tom McGrath

December 9, 2014

Dear Mama Mary:

I want to thank You for interceding for my dad. His surgery was successful and for that I am grateful. Now I come to You once more praying for your intercession in his recovery. He is not out of the woods yet. They had to put a catheter last night and now he is bleeding. Please, ask Your Son to place His healing hands over him so there is no infection settling down in his kidneys. Also, please ask Him to heal his head to stop the spread of the angiosarcoma. And may the skin grafts adhere this time around. 

Please, Mama Mary, place your healing touch over him as well. I pray for his pain and suffering to subside. Thank You for your love and peace as we journey through this difficult valley. May we encounter the sunshine as soon as possible.

I pray also for all the intentions of my faith communities (St. Louis and the Belen Emmaus), and for all the intentions of my family and friends.

I love You, Mama Mary!!!

December 9, 2017

Dear Jesus:

Thank You for listening to your Mama Mary and for healing my dad. The angiosarcoma did not spread throughout his head after that final surgery at the end of 2014. And we had the blessing of enjoying his presence with us for another eighteen months. Thank You, Jesus.

Today, I also want to thank You because the two Ignacio's are doing better. A lot of people have been praying to you for a miracle, and You are answering our prayers. Ignacio V. is opening his eyes, he's recognizing people and he's responding to commands. He is also breathing on his own, without the help of the respirator. And he even prayed a Hail Mary with Father Willie, how awesome is that. Ignacio C. will have another surgery on his arm in two days, but the good news is that the swelling has started to subside. Please, Jesus, place your healing hands over these two young men and answer the prayers of so many people that are praying for them. I don't even know them but my heart aches for their families and what they are going through. Please, Jesus, heal them and mend their broken bodies.

I was just reading a little book titled "My Daily Bread," and this sentence caught my eye: "Happy are those who desire only what I want, trying steadily to do my will." Jesus, if I unite your will to mine, I will find true happiness. If I choose to do my will instead of yours, I will not be truly happy.

My ultimate goal in this life has to be to be united with You in heaven. Therefore, every single thing I do while on this earth has to be with that ultimate goal in mind. Every small goal that I set to accomplish has to be directed towards that final goal. Every activity that I undertake needs to be guided by You. Everything that I choose to do must keep me on the path that leads to heaven.

Everything that I am and everything that I have comes from You. Therefore, I must give everything back to You. I must use all my talents and all my possessions as You wish, not as I wish. I must offer all my activities to You so that You become my guide and my leader. If I let myself become too overwhelmed with activities of my own choosing, I will lose the happiness that You want me to experience during my brief time here on earth.

If I keep my eyes on the world instead of on You, I will not find true happiness. The brief enjoyments of this earthly life could lead me away from You. I must keep my eyes on You at all times. Otherwise, I may make mistakes or I may sin. When I sin, I lose my inner peace. Sins will rob me of peace on earth and unending happiness in Heaven.

Every day, I must examine my motives for everything that I do. I must choose only those things that deep inside I know will please You, and I must avoid all those things that will separate me from You. You created me to live in eternal happiness with You in heaven. All those things that will keep me away from heaven, I must get rid of them. If I lose Heaven, I will lose everything. The sure guide to Heaven is to align my will to Yours.

Please, Jesus, during this Advent, "open my hands, my eyes, my ears, all my senses, and all of my heart" to recognize what Your will is for my life. May every step I take lead me closer to You.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven during Advent: Nothing is Impossible for God

“’Hail, full of grace.’ By these words the angel shows that she was altogether excluded from the wrath of the first sentence, and restored to the full grace of blessing." -Saint Augustine – Doctor of the Church

"Feast of the Immaculate Conception"

December 8, 2014

Dear Mama Mary:

Today we celebrate your Immaculate Conception. Many people don't believe that You were a Virgin when You conceived Jesus. I do believe because nothing is impossible for God. And He picked You, a Virgin young girl to be the vessel of His Son.

How are You doing today, Mama Mary? I guess You are sad seeing the disasters of this world. But it's been the same way for the past 2,000 years. I guess that sometimes You must feel that Your Son died in vain. We have not learned anything. But I can tell You that there are many people that are grateful for your YES. I'm one of them. Thank You for saying YES to God. I can only imagine how scary it must have been. You were so young. But You accepted the task with such grace. You trusted God completely, and pushed aside your fears. And in doing so, You changed the world.

Mama Mary, You are full of grace. I believe that is the key to be able to control my fears. I have to pray for the grace to be able to trust God fully, like You did. I also have to pray for the grace to sin less.

Today, Mama Mary, I need to ask for your intercession. My dad is in surgery right now. Again. It's the fifth time this year between biopsies, surgeries and skin grafts. A new tumor was discovered a couple of months ago. It's being removed now. And a new skin graft is being placed on the old wound, and possibly on the new wound as well. I know that he is 86 and eventually Your Son will request his presence, but can You ask Him to leave him with us, if that is His will, for a little longer? My mom needs him. My children want to have him in their lives. And so do I. And he wants to live so much. But I also don't want to see him suffer. So as long as he can stay with us and be fairly healthy, please ask Your Son to spare him for a little longer.

Mama Mary, I'm grateful for your sacrifice. And especially, I'm grateful because I'm less afraid of dying. Your Son taught us that death is not the end, it's the beginning.

Mama Mary, I hope that You are enjoying your feast day in heaven.

I love You, Mama Mary!!!

December 8, 2017

Dear Mama Mary:

Happy Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception. Today, we celebrate the fact that You were conceived without sin. I used to think that Immaculate Conception meant that You had conceived Jesus while You were a Virgin. But what it really means is that God chose You even before You were conceived. Since You were in your mother's womb, You were free of the original sin. God chose the perfect immaculate vessel to bring His Son into the world.

I'm in a bit of a hurry this morning because I want to get to mass. But, today, Mama Mary, I need to ask for your intercession. I want to pray for the two Ignacio's that were in a very serious car accident last week. One has a brain injury. Please ask Your Son to heal him completely. The other one has very serious injuries in one arm. They are so serious that if Your Son doesn't grant him a miracle, he may lose his arm. These young boys are just seniors in high school. They have their whole lives ahead of them. Please, Mama Mary, embrace them with Your Mantle of Grace. Give them the grace of a complete and total healing. Today, on Your Feast Day, I come to You asking You to intercede for a miracle, if it's Your Son's will. Give hope and faith to their families who are also suffering through this whole ordeal. And grant the doctors the wisdom to choose the proper treatment.

St. Ignatious of Loyola, please pray for the two Ignacio's. Mama Mary, ask Your Son to grant them a miracle because I know that anything that You ask him, He will grant You. Nothing is impossible for God.

O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that as you preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw so through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

I love You, Mama Mary!!!

Letters to Heaven during Advent: Slow Down

"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset." — St. Francis de Sales

December 6, 2009

Dear Jesus:

This has been another busy week. I guess it's typical for the month of December, but this year, I'm on a roll.

Last Sunday, we bought the Christmas tree but I didn't get around to start decorating it until Thursday night. Between work, Bible class, doctors’ appointments and Alex’s activities, I was busy every single day and night.

On Thursday, I was going to go to the Emmaus meeting, but I decided that my plate was already too full. I stayed home instead decorating the Christmas tree. I played Christmas music. I baked cookies. And I got into the spirit of Christmas. It would be nice if the whole family got involved in the decorating, but I gave up on this idea a long time ago. At least, Chabeli showed happiness when she walked in, and she smelled the cookies, heard the music, and saw the lights on the tree. We all had dinner together that night. I'm thankful for that blessing.

Life is busy, but all is fine in my little corner of the world.

I love You, Jesus!!!

December 6, 2017

Dear Jesus:

Life continues to be busy, but this Advent, I have made the commitment not to allow the usual December craziness to overwhelm me. I will do what I can, even if it takes me all month.

Sometimes, we hurry so much to get everything done, that Christmas crawls upon us and we don’t even notice. This year, I will slow down. I will savor everything I do. If I’m not enjoying it, then I might as well not do it.

I have a friend that has decided not to buy a Christmas tree this year. For her, putting up a tree is more work than pleasure. She has decided that if she doesn’t enjoy it, why go through the trouble? Yet, she loves to send out Christmas cards. Instead of spending the weekend decorating the Christmas tree, she spent her weekend writing Christmas cards.

For me, it’s the exact opposite. I gave up sending Christmas cards years ago. But I love decorating my house. So even though the Christmas tree sat empty in my living room for eight days, this past Sunday, I searched deep inside for the joy within me, and I began to stream the lights on the tree. I asked “Alexa” to play Christmas music, and while the hubby cooked some delicious black beans which made the house smell like “Nochebuena,” I waltzed around the tree making it merry and  bright.

When Chabeli arrived two hours later, she asked: “Are we having a party?” And I realized that indeed we were having a party. We were celebrating the beginning of Advent. Christmas is not just one day, it’s an entire season. If we have the right attitude, everything that we do whether is decorating, wrapping gifts or writing Christmas cards, it will help to prepare our hearts for Your Birthday, Jesus.

So even if our calendars are crammed with Christmas parties, even if we still have to buy more than half the gifts on our list, even if we haven’t even started decorating, or we have fifty gifts to wrap, we can find You, Jesus, in our midst. We just need to slow down, and drop the things that make us frantic from our “to-do” list. If we put on the right attitude, we can turn the Christmas preparations into holy moments that will help to prepare the manger within our hearts so that You, Baby Jesus, can be born  within us once again on Christmas Day.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven during Advent: Twenty-Two Days

“May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope; the spirit of Christmas which is peace; the heart of Christmas which is love.” - Ada V. Hendricks

December 3, 2009

Dear Jesus:

I am here waiting for the Bible class to start. This morning, I got upset at my hubby. I decided that the best way to handle it was to be quiet. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. I came to mass, and that helped me to calm down and think things rationally. 

Please, Jesus, give me peace and calmness. I just have too many things bouncing around in my head. Help me to choose what I need to do and drop the rest. I can't handle everything. Help me to remember that.

This is your month. We celebrate your birthday in twenty-two days. Help me not to get overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Help me not to forget its true meaning. I'm almost finished with all the Christmas shopping, so now, during this season of Advent, help me to relax, and enjoy the music, the decorations, the sharing, and the love. When things become a burden, then it's time to drop them.

And please, Jesus, give me patience with my hubby, and let him be patient with me.

I love You, Jesus!!!

December 3, 2017

Dear Jesus:

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. I have been a bit dry lately. Yesterday, I was at the beach, praying for a bit of inspiration. But my mind was bouncing all over the place. What else is new? I tend to forget, at this time of year, the true reason for the season. I allow myself to become overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done. I'm glad I picked up my journal from 2009. It allowed me to put things into perspective.

This year, I have not even started to decorate the house. The Christmas tree has been standing in the living room for over a week. I took advantage of Alex while he was still here to help us get it and bring it inside the house. And there it is. No lights, no decorations. I simply have not been in the mood to decorate, which is very strange for me since decorating is one of the things that I must love to do.

Please, shake me up and get me moving. Advent is a time to get ready for your coming. One of the things that helps me to get ready is to decorate the house. When the kids were home, I made a big production of it. I would bake chocolate chip cookies. I would play Christmas music. All this helped to get me in the mood. I know that they are not home, and it's tough to do all these things when it's just Rafe and me, especially the cookies since we are both trying to watch our waistline. But the kids will be home for Christmas, and they love to come to a home that is filled with the Christmas spirit.

I will, at the very least, put the lights on the Christmas tree tonight.

Twenty-two days and counting, Jesus!!! Help me to prepare my heart for your birth.

I love You, Jesus!!!