This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Mrika Gjelaj who was born as Mrika Rudaj daughter of Kola and Lula, in Shtoj, Ulqin in Yugoslavia on September 07, 1947 and passed away on September 14, 1996 at the age of 49.

      In the arms of an angel, Mom was silently flown away on September 14, 1996 in the early morning, a few days after she was diagnosed with leukemia. She was pulled from the hurt of cancer, graciously taken from her pain then tenderly placed into the arms of our healing Savior. God held her, caressed her head, wiped her tears and made her whole. No more pain, no more tears. We will remember her forever.

Our Mom was a beautiful woman inside and out. She was kind, considerate, warm, loving and caring to all her family. She was the "perfect" mother. She treated everyone's children as if they were her own and that is why they all called her Mom. She never liked to take pictures but thank God we had them to share her memories. Her smile lit up a room. Always tending to her children and giving them the best of everything. She gave little to herself and much to everyone she knew.

She was a beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, sisterinlaw, aunt, friend to all who had the lucky opportunity to have had her in their lives! Her legacy is her love she left behind and memories we will treasure forever.

She had been having severe fatigue and migraines the last few months of her life. She passed out home and was rushed to the hospital, the Catscans proved that she had Leukemia, we were all in disbelief and we felt so helpless. They started the chemo and morphine and told us she only had about 72 hours to live. The doctors were right because exactly the third day at Montefiore Hospital, she passed away. Our lives will never be the same. But our devoted love and memories will last forever!

My Purpose
I had cancer. There isn't any explanation
as to why I got sick.
All I know is God has a plan for each of us and
for each plan there is a purpose.
Some of us know what our purpose in
life is and others will never find it.
Then there are those like me who accomplish
it without ever realizing it.
My journey with cancer will not and has
not been without purpose,
It is through my illness that I have helped doctors
understand this disease a little more
so they may find a cure.
It is through my illness that I have opened the
eyes to those around me
to how precious life really is. Something we
all too often take for granted.
It is through my illness that some of those
around me have realized that life is
too short to be afraid of our feelings.
My cancer has been beaten back by
the power of love. It is the most powerful of
emotions, one not to be afraid of, but to be embraced.
To be loved by someone unconditionally and completely
is to reach into your soul and feel warmth.
It is through my illness that I have shown
there is no guarantee for the future—
only dreams for it. Whether the future is just
another day or another 75 years,
we should all dream big and live fully everyday.
It is through my illness that I have seen the strong cry,
only to find more strength.
It is through my illness that some of us who haven't
talk to God in a while have once again begun to pray.
It is through my illness that I have joined the
hands of those familiar to those of strangers,
to form one long chain.
I have already accomplished so much in such
a short amount of time and each day I continue
to touch the hearts of many.
That was my purpose

Loved Ones She Left Behind:
 Husband Toma Gjelaj 



Seven Children: 
Vicky, Justina, Maria, Zef, Donna, Anthony, Gloria

Our sister Patty(Pashka), first-born Angel who died about 5 months old -  Mommy is finally holding you in her arms now!



Her Grandchildren: 
Johnny, Joey, Chris, Diana, Alex, Angela , Victor and Paulie, Jonathan, Joseph, Tommy, Isabella, and Olivia. 
     
              Vicky Ivezaj's Children  (Chris, Diana, Alex & Angela)


           Justina Lulgjuraj's Children  (Paulie & Victor) 


Maria Rukaj's Children (Jonathan & Joseph)


Donna Camaj's Children (Tommy, Bella, Olivia)


Jozef & John (1st born's son Zef's sons) with 
beautiful daughter- in-law Tonka
 

Motherinlaw Mara 
who are together now, they loved each other so much


Sister: Toshja (tezja) Only loving sister
Brothers: Pjetri, Nika and Noci (Pjetri joined her)
She left 3 brother-in-laws:
3 Brotherinlaws: Mark, Jimmy, and Peter and their families.
3 Sisterinlaws: Hana, Butja and Diella and their families

Words Left Unsaid
I didn't get to say "goodbye",
And all the words I wanted you to hear.
I should have said them when I had my chance,
But I thought that you would always be near.
I ran out of time to let you know,
Just how much you meant to me.
I should have told you, but I thought you knew,
But now I will never know, if you really did see.
When l talk to you in my prayers at night,
I hope you can hear all I have to say.
I would have told you, if only I could,
Have had you back for one more day.
Perhaps there were words you wanted to say also,
That were left unsaid by you.
But I do know that you loved me,
As you knew that I loved you too.
We should always say what we feel in our heart,
As tomorrow may never come.
Speak those words today as you feel them,
And never lose your chance to tell someone


The Cord
We are connected, my mother and I,
by an invisible cord not seen by the eye.
It’s not like the cord that connects us at birth,
this cord can’t be seen by any on earth.
This cord does its work right from the start,
it binds us together, attached by the heart.
I know that it’s there, though no one can see
this invisible cord, from my mother to me.
The strength of this cord,
it’s hard to describe,
it can’t be destroyed, it can’t be denied.
It’s stronger than any cord man could create;
it withstands the test, can hold any weight.
And though you are gone and you’re not 
here with me,
the cord is still there though no one can see.
It pulls at my heart, I am bruised, I am sore,
but this cord is my lifeline as never before.
I’m thankful that God connects us this way,
a Mother and Child.... Death can't take it away!


Letter From Heaven 
Some things I'd like to say
but first of all to let you know
that I arrived okay
I'm writing this from Heaven
where I dwell with God above
where there's no more tears
or sadness there
is just eternal love
Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight
remember that I'm with you
every morning, noon and night
That day I had to leave you
when my life on Earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said "I welcome you"
"It's good to have you back again
you were missed while you were gone
as for your dearest family
they'll be here later on"
"I need you here so badly
as part of My big plan
there's so much that we have to do
to help our mortal man"
Then God gave me a list of things
He wished for me to do
and foremost on that list of mine
is to watch and care for you
And I will be beside you
every day and week and year
and when you're sad
I'm standing there
to wipe away the tear
And when you lie in bed at night
the days chores put to flight
God and I are closest to you
in the middle of the night
When you think of my life on Earth
and all those loving years
because you're only human
they are bound to bring you tears
But do not be afraid to cry
it does relieve the pain
remember there would be no flowers
unless there was some rain
I wish that I could tell you
of all that God has planned
but if I were to tell you
you wouldn't understand
But one thing is for certain
though my life on Earth is o're
I am closer to you now
than I ever was before
And to my very many friends
trust God knows what is best
I'm still not far away from you
I'm just beyond the crest
There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb
but together we can do it
taking one day at a time
It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too
that as you give unto the World
so the World will give to you
If you can help somebody
who is in sorrow or in pain
then you can say to God at night
my day was not in vain
And now I am contented
that my life was worthwhile
knowing as I passed along the way
I made somebody smile
So if you meet somebody
who is down and feeling low
just lend a hand to pick him up
as on your way you go
When you are walking
down the street
and you've got me on your mind
I'm walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind
And when you feel the gentle breeze
or the wind upon your face
that's me giving you a great big hug
or just a soft embrace
And when it's time for you to go
from that body to be free
remember you're not going
you are coming here to me
And I will always love you
from that land way up above
Will be in touch again soon 


Afterglow
I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an Afterglow of smiles when the day is done. 
I'd like to leave an echo . . . 
Whispering softly down the ways of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who 
grieve to dry before the sun of 
happy memories that I leave behind when 
day is done. 

But most of all she left behind tears that will never stop shedding for her....her children's tears...it happened suddenly and she was taken from us much too quickly...our broken hearts will never mend until we meet again!

Mom was very religious. She always kept her faith and went to church every Sunday.

Did You Wonder?
(Poem Written by Daughter Maria)
While you walked up the stairs towards 
the golden gate,
Did you stop and ask God “please, Dear Lord wait,
Did you know your children would cry
Or were you in such pain you wanted to die,
Did it hurt to see the tears we have wept,
Or the lonely nights we haven't slept,
Did you know more grand children will be born,
Even though our hearts will forever mourn,
Did you know your first born son had 2 boys,
Jozef and John who are such joys,
Joey, Tommy, Alex, Bella, Angela and 
Olivia were born,
even though our hearts are still torn,
Did you wonder about us, mom,
Or about your husband Tom,
How your death has made him old,
even though he tries to be bold,
Did you wonder will my children suffer?
For we have loved you like no other,
Who will comfort them when they cry?
Who will wipe away their tears to dry?
Who will love them when they need me?
Who will ever answer their plea?
Who will guide them when they are sad and blue?
Who will tell them my death is true?
Will they forget to mention my name?
For I did not die in vain,
Will you be there to welcome us with open arms,
When our last breath comes?
Will you hug and kiss us tight,
And tell us everything will be alright?
Will you be the one to take us home,
Where we will never be alone?
(Mom replied:)
My love for you is like an eternal flame,
Whenever you need me just call my name.
My legacy shall forever live,
For my love and protection that I will always give,
I did not want to go away,
But God called me home to stay,
My body was in such pain, 
please dont forget to say my name,
I will make a promise to you,
That I will guide you through and through,
Please do not forget to pray,
I will be there each and every day,
I will be your guardian angel light,
To guide you each day and night,”
I will wipe away your tears,
And calm away all your fears,
And when the time comes to meet again,
It is I that will greet you and take your hand,
We will stand together side by side,
In God’s home we will eternally reside,
For “I am your Mother”.
Who has loved you like no other! 


Come with Me
The Lord saw you getting tired
And a cure was not to be,
So He put his arms around you
And whispered, "Mrik, Come with me."
With tearful eyes, we watched you suffer
And saw you fade away,
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
A beautiful smile at rest,
God broke our hearts to prove
He only takes the best.
It's lonesome here without you
We miss you so each day,
Our lives aren't the same
Since you went away.
When days are sad and lonely,
And everything goes wrong,
We seem to hear you whisper,
"Cheer up and carry on."
Each time we see your picture,
You seem to smile and say,
"Don't cry, I'm in God's keeping,
We'll meet again someday."


When I am Gone
When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears.
Be thankful for our beautiful years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for love you have shown,
But now it’s time I traveled on alone.
So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must.
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a time that we must past.
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on.
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear
All my love around you soft and clear.
And then when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and say
“Welcome Home.” 



Psalm 23: 1-6
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. 


When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes,
all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry,
the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things,
we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name,
and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready,
in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind,
all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible,
that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
just even for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you
and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories,
would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity,
and all I've promised you".
Today for life on earth is past,
but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day,
there's no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful,
so trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things, you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
and now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand
and share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart. 


Do Not Weep
Do not stand by my grave at weep I am not there,
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain I am
the gentle autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush, 
of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night
Do not stand at my grave and I am not there, 
I did not die. 









Its not good-bye,  its we'll see you later MOM!

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