Last night I had trouble sleeping so I decided to go into the patio and look out towards the backyard. The night air was still wet from the light rain that had fallen a few hours before; the smell of new rain was soothing. As I looked out toward the east, I noticed the old wood swing swaying with the brisk wind. Suddenly I remembered how you use to push my swing when we we lived on Bernal Road in San Jose. A smile came to me and that moment, this swing in our house will be your corner forever more. I love you dear sister and miss you so much...I hope you are watching over Daddy, Manuel, and Sal. Till we meet again....

Hey sis, Time slips away and we grow older and the day we last saw each other was an eternity. As you know, death has taken our family.  Sadness has left a trail of tears that are only consoled with loving memories.  Carlos and I always remember you and how you made us laugh.  Mama and us were reminising about you today. When mama talked about you, we could see love in her graying eyes. And then she talked about Manuel and Chava and how they have left her too.  Life is not the same, part of my family is missing and my heart is heavy.  As always, watch over all of us, especially Tia Juana and Kathy and tell God to keep us safe.  May God bless you, Daddy, Manuel, Chava, and my in-laws Papa Carlos and Mama Juanita.
With love always,
Louisa 

We hooked up again after an absence of a few years.  I took you to our bible classes and gave you a bible with large print.  It was at that time that we started talking about going to Texas.  You were so excited!  You got your passport so you would have it ready to go to Mexico.  I came to pick you up early one morning and went back to my house to hook up the trailer.  My daughter came along in her car pulling another trailer.  I took you up to Prescott Valley, AZ then over to New Mexico to look at some property.  We went through El Paso on to San Antonio and then to the Rio Grande Valley and my home in McAllen.  We were all exhausted so we rested a couple of days.  I took you around to show you some of the town and you were amazed at all the beautiful houses.  Some were great big houses and you commented that there must be a lot of millionaires living here.  I told you that actually housing here was cheaper than in California.  I wish I could have taken you to the beach as well but you got homesick and decided to go home.  I missed you and should have come to see you in January but I know that you read your bible and you are with our great Father in heaven.  That means that I will see you again.  So long for now, Maria.  My good friend.

Back in the early 1990's, you and I would take two day trips to Las Vegas during the summer or on you birthday.  We had fun on those trips...seeing shows and having fun playing the slots or blackjack table.  You were always striking up conversations with the dealers and asking them how to play the games.  Your face always lit up when you saw an Elvis show...you said he was your boyfriend. I hope you see him up there and say hi...love always Jules

I don't know the story behind this picture, only Julie does, but doesn't Lucy look beautiful!  She always knew what to wear to make herself look elegant as well as her hairstyles and makeup.  The Elegant Lady that's my sister!

Love Louisa

On a Xmas Eve in 1963, (I was 3 years old), I remembered when you bought me a Gingerbread Man.  It was the most wonderful gift I could have received.  I still have the Gingerbread Man though he is tattered and torn. It was a small gift, but the joy you brought me on that Xmas Eve, I will never forget; I will cherish him forever.  I love you Lucy . . . Your Baby Sister Louisa.