I had a wonderful life in San Juan. I spent much time with Sister Anna Marie at the Sisters’ house as my mother allowed me to live with the nuns. She taught me Spanish, which I had forgotten long ago. How to be a friend to the new young children arriving. I would help her clean, sweep, and work in the garden. I would go with her on her home visits. Sometimes, we visited with Sister Agnes Louise, overseeing Sister Anna Marie’s work with me.

Whenever we walked together, she held my hand. She was extremely affectionate, physically and verbally. She always had a kind word and a hug when needed. Everyone adored her.

Later, I found out I had a paediatric heart murmur, which did not close off until seven or eight. I was very active most days, but sometimes I had to rest because I became tired. When I could not keep my eyes open, Sister Anna Marie would lift me into her lap, cradling me in her arms with my head against her breast, and sing Spanish lullabies. I would always wake up in her arms.

One day, I was in the kitchen, and the older nuns discussed Sister Anna Marie.

Mother Superior explained, “Sisters, Anna Marie is very innocent and close to Our Lady. Whenever she holds Miguel in her arms and sings to him, both are far away from the mortal world. They are with Our Lady in Heaven. Sometimes, when I watch them together, I see such love in her eyes that her body radiates a subtle glow. I am sure she believes Miguel is her very own child. Unusual, but Sister Agnes Louise told me that those two have a special relationship formed in Heaven.”

Later, I told Sister Anna Marie what Mother Superior had said.

She smiled, saying, “Sweetheart, what Mother Superior said is true. You are my child; your soul and mine have been together forever. Because you and I are as one, I can never be away from your heart, my love. Someday, you will understand. And if I must leave you early, you will never stop looking for me until you find me in a new body.”

I threw my arms around her narrow waist and hugged her tightly.

I said, “I will forever love you, Anna Marie. I am glad that you are my real mommy.”

I loved Sister Anna Marie more than anyone else I have ever known.

I was happy in San Juan and never felt alone because of Sister Anna Marie. I helped her almost every day with her work, and we grew closer and closer in our hearts. So, I shall skip to the end of this brief note but will return to my time with the nuns soon.

I do not remember exactly, but my family visited the beach a few months before we left Puerto Rico, as my youngest brother was a year old. As soon as we returned to our house, Mother Superior hurried over to find and take me to the Sisters’ main house.

She took me by my hand, saying, “Hurry, Child, Sister Anna Marie is very sick and has been asking for you for three days. She will not drink any fluids or eat. She cannot get out of bed and is coughing up blood. She has a high fever, and it is affecting her thinking.

Mother Superior told me the doctor said she would not recover and was not long for this world.

I asked Mother Superior, “What does that mean?”

Mother Superior took my hands into hers, saying, “Child, your Anna Marie is dying and will soon be in Heaven. You love her, so she must know you are with her.”

I pulled away from Mother Superior and rushed to Anna Marie’s little room. She was lying in a cotton nightgown, which was soaking wet and moaning. The other Sisters were doing what they could to comfort her.

I ran to Sister Anna Marie, saying, “Mummy, I am here. Open your eyes, and you will see.”

Sister Anna Marie opened her eyes and began to smile. She tried to sit but could not. Sister Theresa helped her and propped her up with some pillows.

Speaking slowly, Anna Marie said, “My precious darling, I am with Our Lady. She says I must stay with her, but I shall always remain in your heart. I will wait in Heaven for you until I can return. You will always be my precious love. I do not want to leave you.”

Soon, the room began to glow with soft light, and I saw Our Lady approach Sister Anna Marie and place her right hand upon her forehead.

 She turned to me, saying, “Do not worry, little one. Mother will be happy in Heaven, and we shall always watch over you. If you need her, just ask; you will feel her radiance surrounding you and know all is well. Goodbye, little one. Come hug your soul partner before she leaves her tired body.”

I started crying, put my arms around Anna Marie’s neck, and hugged her, “Mummy, please stay with me. I don’t want you to leave. I will be happy to go with you to Heaven.”

Sister Anna Marie took in the last breath, and a glorious smile of deep joy formed upon her face. She fell back onto the pillows. I held onto her, and the Sisters had to pull me away. Mother Superior understood my loss, picked me up, took me outside to the garden, and we cried together.

True to her words, Sister Anna Marie is always in my heart and comforts me whenever I feel discouraged or down. Over the years, I have understood that she is not my mother. She and I are the two halves in one soul-seed. I have never stopped searching for her. Let me return to my days with Sister Anna Marie and what she taught me.