I remember Mom telling me about how the surgeons at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary where she worked as an Operating Room Registered “Scrub” Nurse would refer to her as looking like Ava Gardner. I didn’t know who she was nor did I care (at age 10). Later, I learned Ava Gardner was beautiful, striking and regal. Yeah, now I get it.

Mom was beautiful – she was strikingly gorgeous – she was regal – she was my bella reina (beauty queen). Her sun set this morning and I am so grateful to have been her son. Even in death, she looked beautiful.