Mpby 72. Un Ange a Passé

Each spring is a celebration of life, as nature cleanses the earth with its rain, and brings with it a promise of renewal. The buds on the trees are bursting with life and the small seedlings in the earth make their way through the moist soil.

The spring of the year had always been Margurita’s favorite season. Alphy, too, had learned to enjoy the springtime. He anticipated going outside to enjoy the fresh air this time of year. The couple still enjoyed the outdoors, and looked forward to the warmer weather when they would be able to sit on the veranda. The spring of 1990 brought with it lots of rain in the month of May.

Alphy and Margurita were often visited by their children and grandchildren. The couple cherished these visits. They loved their grandchildren dearly, each and every one. There was one grand- daughter who shared the couple’s love of nature. Her name - Paulette Bernard (Velda and Cyrus’ daughter). Paulette especially enjoyed the rain. She loved to walk in the rain or listen to the sound it made on the roof.

On Mother’s Day of 1990, Velda, Cyrus, and their children had gathered together for a meal in celebration of Mother’s Day. The meal was one the family would never forget, as this was the last time the Bernard family would eat together as a unit.

The day after Mother’s Day, Paulette had a dental appointment. It was May 14 and Velda had worked a night shift at the Western Hospital. Velda drove to Westisle High School in the morning after she had finished the night shift to pick up Paulette for her appointment.

When Velda arrived at the school, Paulette had already been waiting for her mother. As Velda drove onto the school ground, she noticed Paulette standing outside, her tall, slender form leaning against the brick wall of the school. Upon seeing her mother,

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