The final months of Vera Clemente's life were filled with beautiful images and vivid dreams.
Her husband, Roberto Clemente, was a constant presence in these visions, she would tell others. He'd pick her up in a brand-new Cadillac and they would drive around Puerto Rico, just like the old days. They'd smile at each other as they motored past pristine sidewalks and perfectly manicured lawns. She described contemporary buildings and an immaculate baseball field.
It felt like heaven.
"I remember telling Mom that the dreams sound amazing and what you are describing is what we hope for Roberto Clemente Sports City in the future -- but the only problem is that you are in the car with Dad," said Luis Clemente, the couple's middle son. "He's picking you up and taking you with him. That's the part that worries me. She would just smile and tell me not to worry because as long as she was with Dad that everything is perfect."
The annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball to pay tribute to the Hall of Famer's legacy as a humanitarian and player, is Sept. 15. In 2020, the family chose to also honor the late matriarch of the Clemente family, Vera, who passed away on Nov. 16, 2019, at the age of 78.
"It's very emotional to have Clemente Day without her," Luis said. "You can't tell the story of Roberto without Vera. She deserves the recognition and [to have] her legacy honored the same as Dad's."
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