I never had the pleasure of meeting you, Maria, but I know your son, Raymond, he's a brother to me. We had a chance to work together for a little over seven years, and he is a shining example of what is expecting of a person with good character, and character is instilled from the day of someone's birth. There is no doubt his character is a direct reflection on you and the way you raised him. You should be proud. He was definitely proud to call you his "mom." Your son, Ray, inspired in me to treat my mom better, to visit her more often, to lend her a hand, to want to know that she is in good spirit. Maria, know that seeing Ray work so hard to ensure you were cared for pushed me to help him in every and any way I could. We'll meet some day, and I'll tell you this all again but in person. Rest in peace :-)