Sweet Gabriella, 

You inspired me to follow my dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner.  Two weeks ago I accepted my MS degree in your honor.  It has been 5 years since we had to say good bye to you sweet girl but I think of you everyday.  Thank you for helping me to become the person, mother, and health professional I am today.  Natalia, Benjamin, and Treyson talk about you all the time.  They call you their "baby angel".  We miss you more than you'll ever know.  

Love always,
Mommy 
 

Sweet girl,

We are so happy in San Francisco. I love to feel the cool breeze on my face as I admire the natural beauty all around me. Natalia is staying busy with gymnastics, swim, and piano. Benjamin is so full of energy, he loves all the parks. Treyson has grown into such a handsome young man. He is so intellegent and sweet. He is still contemplating between professions but he's working toward attending college. Papi loves all the coffee shops, food, and activities that we have access to here. It's amazing what a difference having to walk a block or two makes on your overall health. I didn't realize how out of shape I was until I had to walk uphill back to my car. I do miss not being able to drive to Lakewood as often as I use to. I promise to keep your stone clean and bring you flowers at least weekly.
We have made so many new friends but I miss my friends in the valley. I love the cultural humility that San Franciscans practice. I appreciate all the effort put into learning about other cultures and accepting people for who they are. I like that people are happy in their own skin. I love that people talk about their mistakes, take accountability, learn from them, and move on. I am so excited to be a part of such an amazing helathcare group. I admire their desire to help the underserved and their nonjudgmental manner is infectious; they really do lead by example.

Love,

Mommy 

Sweet Gabriella,

Although you are not here for me to hold or kiss. I feel your presence. I know you hear me and I know you have given me strength to keep moving forward. I found us a new church home, Bethel, in San Francisco. I was reminded today that "all things are possible through GOD" I determined to be the person he wants me to be and I hope I am able to follow his plans for me. Graduate school is especially important because you inspired me to apply to UCSF. I still cannot believe I was accepted. It is in your honor that I plan to graduate from UCSF and start working on a Phd.

Natalia loves her new school. She started piano lessons again. Benjamin is so happy and completely attached to us, he hates daycare. Papi and I were able to change our schedules so he only has to go 2-3 days a month for a couple of hours. Papi is amazing as always. He has such a good heart, he's just a great guy. I try to be more like him. I am really working on being more patient and kind. 

The memorial is not going to happen this year. I am so sorry. There's really no excuse I should have started planning sooner. School, moving, work, and appointments have kept us pretty busy. I will definetly light a candle for you and your angel friends. I may be crazy but I feel so close to you. I hope you're happy and I hope you know how very much we love you.

See you soon,

Mommy