Our mother's message to her children

I remember whenever I would go out to visit my Dad and brother (Roy and Anthony) out in Aurora or Casper, the first thing we would always do was go and visit grandpa and grandma and I loved these visits. I remember Grandpa Nando would sit on the front porch with me and we use a sling shot to shoot the little prairie dogs that were making holes in his front yard. And then we would go inside and Grandma Pauline would always invite me over the next morning for breakfast. I loved going over to their house for breakfast, she would always have fresh homemade tortillas and chorizo and eggs, oh it was so delicious. I also remember that the first time I ever tried Tabasco was at her house for breakfast and it was soooo hot! :) She always had funny stories to tell and such a positive attitude toward everything. I know I wasn't able to see Grandma as much as I wanted living out in Provo but a day didn't go by where I wasn't thinking of her and she was always in my prayers, especially in her last days where she was struggling so hard but she never stopped fighting. I know she was a very strong woman and I loved her and miss her very much. I know that she is up above watching all of us and making sure that we're living our lives to the fullest :) One day I know that we will all see her again and things will be perfect! I love you Grandma and miss you very much, God by with you til we meet again!

As I look at this picture, I see how short our lives really are. Andy was in this picture just 2 yrs ago and in many other pictures I have spent time with him, but now he's gone. As you look at your family members or talk with them; remember, don't say anything you'll regret, but love one another.Our dear Mama and Andy reached out to love us in  life and now they know, life is really about how much you love that really matters; now that they are in heaven.How we miss our two beloved, who are in heaven full of joy and peace, awaiting our entrance into their arms. We will see them soon.In John 14 Let your heart not be troubled.

 Dear Pauline, it's nice to have a place to write you, every now and then.  It's ok, that other eyes will see this.  You see, I believe life is for learning.  When you write something from your heart, there's a chance it may teach someone else, or spark a thought, that might change their world.  Of course, it's also very simple, in that it's a place to share my thoughts, and that's enough for me.  

Dear Pauline,

I just came home a couple of days ago, from Andy's funeral in Denver, Co.  I'm sad, but happy he is now with you, his Papa, and brothers, Joe Esquibel, and all others who went before him.  It must have been a joyous occasion to see him at the end of the tunnel, silently floating towards you, in the loving light that you are. 

Andy's presence on this earth was profound, to me.  He was my first love, first kiss, first man who loved me unconditionally.  You, Tina, Cecilia, Priscilla, Andy, and the rest of the Montoya family took me in, and showered me with love, enough love that I could grow, into a loving, caring woman, whose life on this planet earth, will not be forsaken.  My promise to God, has always been to make a difference on this planet, to others who need love.  It all began though, with you, and my sweet, sweet loves....your children.

I felt your presence there amongst all people who were there to honor your son.  I am so proud and humbled with the love I felt at Andy's passing.  I want to tell you how much you always meant to me, and still mean to me.  I love you, Andy, Priscilla, Tina, Cecilia, Lil Roy, Paul, Jake, Louis, Richard (ehole!  Richard).......He needs a big dose, of unconditional love......

I love you and yours always....much much Aloha to you..................................Desa Rae Parrilli

Momma,today you called our Andy home.I know in my heart that he was struggling.The cancer was eating at all his living organs.And here on earth there was no hope.I know in my heart that ,you were there to lead our Andy Gum's home.It was you that came for him,@ 3:23 Aug 2, 2011 to take him home.You know all our hearts,and you knew that our Andy needed you.Just as you did when we were all small.You prepared a place for us all.And today you prepared a place for our Andy.We send all our love with our brother,faith,prayer.And knowing that he is alright on his journey there was a double rainbow that you sent to lead him home.Thank you for all your love still here on earth.take care of our andy and yourself,and all  love ones that are with you my Dear momma.Until my time comes "SAVE A PLACE FOR ME".only you know when that will be.Until then keep blessing all us as you have.Love, alway's Tina  

this was in mexico ,The date was july 7,1973.This was the year that Pauline and Nando were married.Acuna Mexico.And this photo was taken on there honeymoon.

"Another Mother's Day without you Mom. How I long to pick up the phone and talk with you on Mother's Day! But instead I am asking our Lord to tell you how much I miss you and think of you! I talked with Dad today and he is thinking of you! Priscilla"

This picture of all of us as Brothers and Sisters with Mom and Dad was made possible because everyone was able to get together for me and Joe's Wedding on October 26th, 1991.  Cecilia, Steve, James, Racquel, Sareah, and Caleb drove from Atascadero, CA and you know how Cecilia is!  They made it just in time for the Reception! I was so happy to see them.  And Mom's face lit up when Cecilia, Steve and the kids walked through the door.  Tina, Kristal, and Vanessa came from Aurora, CO.  They brought Levi with them. Tina was the one who made all the food for my wedding her gift to me and Joe. My big brother Louis was there, Jake also, Paul was married to Tammy Rasmussen at the time and they had just had Paul Jr. Roy was with his wife Laurie, they had Anthony and baby Andrew at the Wedding.  Roy filmed my wedding for me as his gift to me and Joe.  Andy came from Aurora with Joann and new baby girl Andrea (what a doll) she was than and still is today.  My brother Richard was there with his children, Devona, Traci and Rick. My son Adam drove from Clinton, Oklahoma to be Mom's Best Man at our wedding my daughter Reneil was my Maid of Honor.  We had such a wonderful time at my reception.  Everyone was dancing, talking, laughing the night away.  On the following day I had talked to Mom and she said since everyone was here we need to go to Sears and have a family picture done.  Wow that day was Monday October 28, 1991.  We all gathered together and the photograher was overwhelmed with all the people that were going to be in the picture.  When all the pictures were taken me and mom were at the counter ordering the prints and the young lady was so confused that she gave us more than we paid for.  You know me I told Mom we got more than we should have and she nudged me in my side and told me to shut up that way she could get as many as she could get for that price.  I did shut up and Mom got away with getting a copy for all of us.  I knew better than to say anything from that time on when it came to mom dealing with that kind of stuff.  She wanted it all and got it.  That was a time I will never forget and each time we look at the picture of us all with Mom you can see the pride in her face.  Priscilla

This is a two part letter that our mother wrote.I had came across it a year before mom got sick.Mom has a family bible that she kept next to her side of the bed on the night stand.One day while asking for her and Dad's(nando's) marriage certificate.I came across a letter that was addressed to me.Having mind set to only retrieve the certificate.I set the letter back and closed the Bible.It wasn't until our mother was sick and was fighting stage-4 cancer.After visiting with her at Kindred Hospital.I went to Dad's house and as we were talking it was like a pulling at my heart.I asked Dad where the Family Bible was.Where your Mom alway's kept it Hita ,he said.I went and there this  letter addressed to me.As I read this heart felt,emotional letter and worked myself through the tears.I knew that every thing in life  happens for a reason.I took the letter and the next day In front of Mom,Dad,Joann,Andy,handed the letter to mom.And she knew what it was.I read the letter to her and promised her I would do as she ask.I was so blessed that I had this time with this beautiful woman to share this and so many other memories with her.I also was blessed to read this letter at her rosary in Casper.With all her children,and family,friend's in attendance.Love you momma,your Daughter #5  Tina

        This would be the day that changed the course of Pauline life.

Pauline was married to Jake Montoya @ the age of 15 yrs old

Jake Montoya was 21 yrs old .On there wedding Day in Dec 2,1947 in Casper wyo.

On this day June 16,1958

pauline was now a widow at the age of 26 yrs old

jake passed at the age of 31 yrs old of a heart murmer and died at natrona county hospital casper,Wyoming

Pauline was left with 8  little ones and pregnant with baby anthony.Which Anthony would be born Sept 30,1958 and pass on April 22,1959 at the age of 7month's Crib Death.

As you can imagine this was very hard on Pauline.Being so young and having the weight of the world on her shoulders.She often told us that she was so young when she had us all that she grew up with us.And I agree she was a very strong woman.Family on both sides offered to help .Pauline was detemined to keep her young family together.Louis the oldest of the Montoya's was now the man of the house. 

Life was never easy being alone.To raise her young family                                                                                                                  

This is the only known photo of our Grandfather Ernesto Rivera at a young age of 17 yrs.

I remember mom telling me about this very day.She had been out playing with her brother's and sister's.And had slipped and fell and skinned up her knees real bad.Her mother got angry at her for being such a tom boy.And the fact that she was to make her communion later that afternoon.And when she was dressed in her communion all white beautiful dress .When she put on her white long socks.You can tell by this photo that the knee's show the stains from her scraped up knee's that went through her stocking's.But she didn't care she felt  beautiful and so very proud to be making her communion.She was around 8yrs old in this photo. 

 The five oldest children on this day made there first communion .How proud our mother was of us all .I to this day still have this communion dress I wore this special day.This would be the only family photo that our little brother Roger Jude Montoya would take with us.For he was 8 yrs old when he slipped into the platte river in north casper and drowned.Our mother was so heart broken,as we all were.But they are joined together once again.Amen