Maria Elena Carreno de Granados RIP June 11, 1983

It is right that we pause, reflect as we gather here today, from the youngest to the oldest, spanning three generations, to honor our debt to the one who preceded us. We come as sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to remember the blessings that were bestowed upon us by a woman who was our Nena. Though she touched our lives in different ways, Nena represented an unswerving constant that guided us all -- generation ny generation, in this country or as we traveled elsewhere.

In times of trial -- who among us was not consoled by Nena's assurance that all would turn out for the best? -- and in times of crisis, Nena led by her unquestioning faith in us, her power over us -- and why today we know that we will be adrift unless the lessons she taught are not preserved and passed on to our children and their children.

Nena was a simple woman -- with simple ways. Nena spoke of a simpler time, life presented few complexities. "There's good in everything," she would say. More often than not, she was right. She believed in heroes -- she voted for Eisenhower over Stevenson.

Nena believed in honorable things -- excellence, virtue, duty, love -- when many around us no longer held these things dear. We were imperfect in meeting her challenge. But the truth of her lessons established our understanding of integrity and purpose. We set out to meet the test.

It is unfashionable to hold these truths, to hold faith to values that seem to have lost currency in our turbulent age. Uplifted by her devotion to our Lord, Jesus Christ, Nena never suffered doubt. Her conviction flowed to us.

And, thus, Nena was all powerful. Nena urged not by stern admonishments, reprimand, or threat. She led by example. We strived for success because we did not want to disappoint. We strived for success because we knew that anything else would reflect on us all, Nena taught us the weighty lesson that few others learn. That as a family -- albeit far-flung, disparate, and fragile -- we are yet one.

Nena taught us virtue in her belief in goodness and decency.

Nena taught us duty by her devotion to Papa and the family they reared.

Nena taught us love by her attention to even our smallest plans.

Nena nurtured us when we were young and growing. She bathed us in adulation for our most callow accomplishments. She was warm, familiar, trusting == and she played no favorites. We were all equal in her eyes.

By these things, Nena taught us that we were something special, in a special place with special obligations.

I remember evenings of night school as Papa and Nena readied themselves to take their place proudly as Americans in grateful recognition of the fruits and prosperity endowed to us by this wonderful land.

I remember the instant affection and respect that Nena generated from others.

I remember eating porridge -- I hate porridge. I hated it then and I hate it now  -- at Nena's urging so that I would cause her no suffering. Nena would truly suffer if she considered us undernourished.

Most of all, I remember a woman who gave us all the strength and will to attempt the very best.