Award-winning actress Cherie Gil would have been 60 years old this year.
On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, Bianca and Raphael, Cherie's children with former husband Rony Rogoff, posted touching letters on social media to celebrate their mom's life.
Cherie succumbed to endometrial cancer on August 5, 2022, in New York City, USA.
"You’d be 60 today so I’m missing you a little more than usual," Raphael wrote on Instagram.
He continued, "We should be dancing in the park and feeling the grass between our toes. Or celebrating over dinner and drinks, wondering, 'where does the time go?'"
A LIFE FULL OF ADVENTURE
Raphael admitted missing his mom a great deal since her passing.
He pondered, "You moved on 321 days ago, with 1440 minutes in a day and you brushing my mind at least ten times, I’ve thought about you 46,224 times or something like that… not particularly keeping track."
Raphael mentioned how he thought Cherie would live long enough "'til I'd help you put in dentures."
He summed up Cherie's life, saying that the esteemed actress "lived a life full of adventure. Full to the brim."
Raphael ended his letter by reminiscing about their happy moments together and thanked his mom for showing him how to live life.
"I carry you with me always, near or far, in my heart. Thank you for teaching me how to live, Momma! Happiest of birthday.
"I’m sure it’s a party wherever you are right now; cause you always knew how to dance to the music of life. I’m still learning from you."
LOOKING FORWARD TO 60
Cherie's daughter Bianca, meanwhile, shared her cover version of the song "I'll Be Here in the Morning."
The song was written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt, and was included in his self-titled album released in 1969.
Bianca posted two tributes for her mom on Instagram, with one containing photos of them together and the other a short video showing clips of Cherie being a doting mother to her kids.
"Today my hilarious, fun-loving, complicated, overly talented mom would’ve turned 60, a birthday she was eager to hit," wrote Bianca.
She shared how theater, film, and music played an important role in their relationship as mother-daughter.
As for the song she posted, Bianca mentioned, "I always planned on sharing this song on her birthday: a cover of a song I played on repeat while mom was sick.
"The lyrics brought me a lot of comfort and it’s back on repeat today as I think of the last year we spent together."
Like her brother, Bianca marveled about Cherie's zest for life, an example that her kids are trying to emulate as they move forward.
Bianca said, "No matter what we would have ended up doing, it was gonna be a party with mom.
"I do not doubt she is having a party right now.
Celebrating you today, mom. With a much more upbeat song, don’t worry I’ve thought about you every day since you left and I still feel you everywhere.
"Thanks for sticking by me. Will dance to the music of life, silly woman, and to not take things (and myself) too seriously. You did such a good job. I love you."