by Dennis Augustine
“Death ends a life, not a relationship.”
—Jack Lemmon
My beloved and beautiful late niece and goddaughter, Selina Marie McAllister (nickname Lina Marie), was born on September 23, 1983 and left us for the heavenly realm of December 28, 2023 at the age of 40. Her middle or baptismal name Marie was given to her by my sister Josie in honor of our mother, Marie Augustine.
We all remember her with silent tears. I firmly believe that she would have wanted us to smile and go on with our lives. Though that is a difficult task, especially for my beloved sister Josie, my brother-in-law Joe, their 13-year old granddaughter Zaila or “Z, and nephews Jake and Joey. On many levels, they are still mourning her loss since Selina left this earthly realm nine months ago. I ask friends and family far and near to send a little love, grace, and prayers their way.
In Mythology, Selina means Greek goddess of the moon, as well as the Roman goddess Luna. As the moon goddess is believed to have driven
the moon chariot across the heavens. The name Selina also translates to ‘heaven.’ Selina loved her grandpa Frank and Grandma Marie (my late parents), so much so, she would always humbly thanked me when I included her in any posts relating to them.
Grandpa Frank loved to rhyme and sing a few verses from songs he remembered from his younger days which Selina found endearing.
She would have loved to hear him sing: "You are my Sunshine’s" original lyrics claimed to have been written by Oliver Hood. It was recorded in 1939 and though it has several meanings, makes for a beautiful lullaby. Selina, whose smile lit up the room like the sun, always had a special place in her grandpa Frank's heart. When I was young, I used to hear dad sing this catchy tune, and chances are Selina had heard it too. Sunshine as a metaphor means you are the light of my life, dear to me, important, and special. The feeling between therm was mutual. Here’s an excerpt from some of the lyrics:
“You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are gray
You’ll never know, dear
How much I love you
Please don’t take
My sunshine away
Happy Birthday dearest Selina. You are always loved, never forgotten, and forever missed.
Postscript: Dear sis, thanks for placing the beautiful blue hydrangeas you picked out at the florest on our behalf and placed them at Selina's headstone at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ.
