In Memory of a Fallen Sister -SPC Marisol Heredia

09/07/2026

This morning I woke up exhausted, but a different kind of tired I can't really explain. Like overnight, my body & spirit did whatever they needed to do and required a lot of energy. Release. 🌬️

It felt like it was September 7th, 2007, after I witnessed my sister take her last breath here on earth. It's an indescribable feeling, almost supernatural. Only you can understand if you ever held someone until their last breath.

There is a final light, the last essence of them.

Maybe yesterday’s unexpected grief ceremony. The copal dancing among us & the wind carrying messages of our ancestors—the flutes & drums carrying medicina to our spirit. The Elders sharing messages of grief & community. The fire provided a warm hug. We are not to carry grief alone. Our ancestral medicine heals. During the ceremony, I realized in my grieving journey that I have focused on September 7th, 2007 - the transition.

And not the hell of September 6th, 2007. The day hope was taken. I never fully processed that day. The day I had to make a decision that would bring guilt. Day and night, I watched my sister’s fiancé say goodbye to his love. It was freaking heartbreaking. My mom was just numb, in another world-it fn killed me. My little sisters were confused, heartbroken & dazed. Another heartbreak. 💔

The night my grandpa arrived just in time to give her comforting words of peace. Almost as if he was giving her her last rites. It was comforting to see my grandpa stay so calm and speak to her so gently. The night I also almost lost my husband because he swerved to avoid hitting a fox. He was on his way from Louisiana to Texas to say goodbye to Marisol.

Day and night, our family gathered around her until her last breath. And oh, did it hurt!

Marisol, I’m sorry for being mad and screaming at you and saying not to leave me alone in this f’n earth. It was your time, your time to peacefully transition.

I saw the light, your essence leave your body. So I held you to the end, even when the clergyman tried to pull me away from you. I didn't want anyone taking our moment, so I fought him off. I'm glad he got the message because I just wanted to lie next to you like we did when we were little girls. 🥀

Thank you, for reading to the end, my family.
My heart is with you all, who were there that day.
I appreciate you all for your kind words & support. 💜

05/25/2026

In their memory ♥️

We missed you, Marisol!

♥️ ♾️ 🇺🇸

09/07/2024

Seventeen years later, it’s always & forever ♥️ ♾️ 🕯️

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only option.” Bob Marley

I never saw myself as strong, but my sister Marisol made me strong. There was no compromising. Thank you for your realness and accountability.

I miss you, hermana. I'm going to make you proud. 🥹

You are never forgotten.

♥️

12/16/2023

We are grateful for our friends in Louisiana as they have always been there for my sister, Marisol. Today wreaths are being placed across the United States. Our friends were there in our places since we could not make it. Wreaths Across America honors our fallen and veterans while educating the public about service and remembrance.

Over the years, Marisol has made new friends who come to visit her, share their thoughts and struggles, sometimes have a drink with her, keep us updated when we can't be there, bring her hot Cheetos, flowers for her birthday and wreath during Christmastime. ✨

Today, we appreciate Alex and Chad for visiting Marisol and being there for our family. We missed her dearly. ♥️

To my Gold Star families and friends, I understand how difficult holidays can be regardless of how long your loved one has been gone. Grief is not a linear process. It's important to be gentle with yourself and cry if you need to. Hugs release "feel-good hormones" that help with sadness, so hug your loved ones or your fur babies.

Speak the names of our loved ones and share their stories with others. Find comfort in memories made with them, and may their legacy continue. 💕

One love,
Her big sis, C.

11/11/2023

Happy Veterans Day! ♥️

Here is a highlight of Louisiana Women Veterans & the service they continue to do after the military.

This beautiful & thoughtful group has honored Marisol since they became a group. Every year they provide a holiday wreath for her & they share her story with schools.

Our family is grateful for their efforts in honoring Marisol and other veterans.

Thank you, for your service. 🇺🇸

Anna Sanders proudly recalls her role as an Air Force medic and hopes that when she dies, someone takes the time to honor that service. Now, as the president of Louisiana Women Veterans, she’…