Before We Say Goodbye

Before We Say Goodbye" deals with four generations of an Hispanic-American family living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from the crusty tequila-drinking great grandma to the rebellious all-American teenager who prefers Taco Bell to the food at her parents' Mexican restaurant. Carlos Garcia, beloved patriarch of his family, is dying. His adoring wife, Ramona, is in a state of denial. Ramona is sure the Virgin of Guadalupe will grant her a miracle and save Carlos, much to the skepticism of her family. Despite her devout faith, Ramona worries about how she will cope with her troubles and keep her family together if Carlos passes. Her four grown children are wrapped up in their own lives that are filled with problems that threaten to tear the family apart. Carlos has been the guiding force who has kept the family together, and as Carlos is declining, his wisdom and love bring light into their lives. But Carlos and Ramona are troubled that their children reject the cultural and religious heritage that means so much to them both. Sensing his end is near, Carlos announces that he has received a vision from Saint Francis, his patron saint. He convinces Ramona to travel to Mexico with her sister Lucia so they can make a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe to appeal to the Virgin for his recovery. Ramona discovers that when we deeply love a someone, life will make the most difficult demands on us before we say goodbye.