Outdoor Inspiration

I ALWAYS travel with this guy. But let me tell you, this week has been so unexpected. Right out of "left field." It's floored me. Last Saturday, I was in my friends' wedding. Sunday, I "officially" became a Godmother, to 3 beautiful little girls. Monday, I lost my sister-in-law...

It's been emotional. Yesterday, were the services. And I still feel numb. Instead of a somber day, I was supposed to be celebrating Sofia. With this guy. Instead, I was in shock. That my young sister-in-law, is no longer with us. Today, I have to pull it together. It's Dawn's Bridal Shower. And I'm trying to stay happy and positive.

To get me in the mood, I've been on Pinterest. Looking for some inspiration. For our yard. We enjoy being outside. And with a new home, we have a new yard. That NEEDS to feel like home. So here we go...



How about some pretty flowers? In a cute little wooden barrel. I actually have 3 of these. And I sorta hate them. Because flowers are never tall enough, to be seen. But with these modifications, this could work. And it doesn't look too hard!



Or just some beautiful flowers. You see, I have 2 HUGE trees, in front of my home. My front yard NEVER gets any sun. This would be a nice change. A HUGE path of beautiful blooms. :)



How about a little shade. I have a HUGE backyard. With no shade! A nice little porch. But no place to entertain. I'm sorta in love with this entire arrangement. And the fact that it still feels fresh and airy!



At our new home, we have a big 'ol deck. We did buy some great outdoor furniture. But how cool, would these bench seats be? And they are so simple to make! This might just be, our next project. :)



And a beautiful dining area. I just LOVE to eat outside, during these warm months. Who wouldn't want to share a meal, in a beautiful area like this?

Now that I read through this post, I realize that the top 3 ideas, are for my home. The bottom 2, our for our new home. Can you tell that I'm going in a million directions? Oh well. I NEED lots of ideas right now. And Pinterest just happens to be the place, we're I'm drawing some inspiration. Now, we just need to tackle a few of these projects. While the weather is still warm. ♥

Roasted Walnut & Pear Salad

I don't even know where to begin. Life has been so crazy! And I'm just ready, to stop. But the month of June, is just nuts for me! The "Bridal Tea" that was planned earlier this week, was moved. And the Baptismo, this weekend, was changed. I'm still feeling a total sense of loss. And very unmotivated.

But I must power through. I know. It's hard to move forward. Especially this soon after, a great loss. But I'm moving. And I'm trying to get plans together, for Dawn's party. Tomorrow. Everything I had previously planned, went out the window Monday. Sorry Dawn!

Instead, I've decided on an afternoon get together. Just us gals still. But days later. With much simpler food. To compensate, we're going to have a "jewelry making" afternoon. This guy, just amazes me! He bought us tons and tons of stuff, from Tori Spellings new line. :)

And I've been putting together lots of easy, but tasty recipes. Essentially, I'm going to have about 2 hours, to get it together. :) This week's Gooseberry Patch Recipe of the Week, just seems so perfect! Light, easy, and tasty.



Roasted Walnut & Pear Salad

1 head romaine lettuce, torn
2 c. pears, thinly sliced
2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 c. walnuts
2 T. butter
1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
4-oz. pkg. crumbled blue cheese
8-oz. bottle raspberry white wine vinegar salad dressing

Place lettuce in a large serving bowl; lay pears on top and add tomatoes. In a medium skillet, roast walnuts in butter until golden; add brown sugar and stir over low heat until walnuts are hardened with glaze. Add walnuts to salads, sprinkle on blue cheese and toss with vinegar dressing. Makes 6 to 8 servings.



Doesn't this sound AMAZING? Honestly, I'm looking forward to hanging out with my gal pals. I NEED to just relax. And enjoy life a little. Today was such a tough one. I can't even describe to you, the crazy amount of emotions, that were going on. Saying goodbye to my SIL, was like saying goodbye to my sister. ♥

I Miss Him So!

The last few days, have been rather emotional. I'm not going to lie. I've been trying to keep it together. More because I know that My Guy needed to focus on work. But today, it all seems to be bubbling over the top.

Saturday was my Dad's birthday. I got to have dinner with my parents, on Friday night. It was nice. To just enjoy some time together. To see and hear, a wonderful Mariachi. It was quick, but much needed. Since my Dad got sick in December 2010, I've really cherished every moment with him.

On top of that, my cousin had her baby girl. Early Monday morning. And now, they are a little worried about her health. So they are running a few tests. Please keep them in your prayers. We'd really appreciate that. And honestly, I can't wait to meet, the new sweet baby.

But honestly, I think what's bothering me most is, my Uncle. Sunday marked seven years, since his passing. He was my best friend. ALWAYS had me laughing. We did so much together. He taught me so much. Over the years, he went from being my Uncle, to my best friend.



I still remember, the night that I got the news. I had been away. Teaching a music conference at Disney World. That night, we had performed. And had this AMAZING and fun dinner with friends. It had been a good night. :)

Then I realized, that my phone was in my violin case. I had 20+ missed calls. When I went through them, they were all from my parents. I worried. Immediately, I wondered how my Dad was. I thought about it. It was almost 1AM. Which meant, close to 11PM at my parents' house.

But I couldn't wait anymore. I needed to know what was going on. I found a small room, and sat down. I made the call. And I immediately knew, that something was wrong. My Dad's voice was shaking. He told me, that my Uncle had past away, in his sleep.

This was so shocking! He had been in the hospital. For something completely unrelated, to what he past away from. My parents had just seen him. Right before he was released, from the hospital. They had joked around. Because it was my Dad's birthday.

But when he went home, it was just his time. I remember, not knowing what to do. Being across the country. Obligated to this job. My friends rallied around me. Assured me, that they could handle the next few days. And that they'd get me home.

At the time, a friend was living with me. So I called her. In the middle of the night. And she packed a bag for me. Made sure that my car was full of gas. While this guy got me a plane ticket home.

I flew home. Had another friend, pick me up from the airport. Drove me, the hour, to my home. And I drove, for the next 3 hours. Hoping, that I'd make it in time for the service.

My cousin broke my heart. She was devastated! Kept telling me, that she should have been better to him. That I knew her pain. Because I was so close to him. I didn't know what to say. Or do. I was numb.

We prayed. People talked about my Uncle. I could see him from afar. But I didn't have the guts, to go up to his casket. We went back to my parents' house. Knowing that the next morning, we'd say our final goodbyes.

I spent that night writing. Writing a letter to my Uncle. This amazing man. That ALWAYS put others before himself. With this GIANT heart. Made of gold. I cried. For the first time, I was alone with my thoughts. And it finally hit me. He was gone.

The next morning, I got up early. Got dressed. I'd be playing for the funeral. And I wasn't sure, just how I was going to do it. I told my parents, that I'd meet them at the church. And I left.

Quietly, I made my way into the church. Violin in one hand. My letter in the other. And I walked down that aisle, to my Uncle. Where I said my final goodbye. Placed my letter in his casket. And realized for the first time, this would be the last time I'd see him.

It pulled at my heart. The following 2 hours, rushed by. I didn't feel like, I was really there. More of floating above, the services. I remember leaving the church, for the cemetery. I remember seeing the casket go down. The dirt covering it up. I remember, going to my aunt's house. Changing my clothes. Saying my goodbyes.

I drove 3 hours to my home. Had a friend drive me, another hour to the airport. And then, took a plane ride back to Florida. I'm still not sure, how I managed the next week. But I did.

Since that day, I've felt this emptiness in my heart. A place that I'm positive, will always be empty. With each passing year, it gets harder. I know that it should get easier. But for me, it gets harder. Maybe because I miss my Uncle so much.

Or maybe because, I'm remembering less and less about him. On a recent trip home, I stopped, to visit his grave. And my Auntie's grave. I feel a sense of peace, when I'm near them. Of being "whole" again. Knowing that we're close, to one another.

I hope, that I never forget, the important things. What made my Uncle, well my Uncle. His generosity. His caring heart. His great sense of humor! I want to pass on his memory. To the generations, that didn't get to meet him. I want for people, to be inspired by him. To know, that he made the world, a truly better place! ♥

A Beautiful Woman

My heart is breaking tonight. We lost a dear, and beautiful woman today. The world was blessed with 88 amazing years. Years that she shared her grace, beauty, and love. Miss M spread joy wherever she went. Shining bright. Open arms, and open soul.

She will be missed. I just can't believe that I won't get to have another conversation with her. We won't share another hug. Or amazing story from the past. But I am grateful for all the time we shared. Although brief, I learned so much. From this beautiful soul.

Our hearts go out to her amazing family. Their hearts are broken tonight. I pray that they find comfort in the coming days. Knowing that Miss M is in a better place. Celebrating a beautiful life with Our Creator. ♥

Hoping for Peace

Something about today, has helped me to find peace. Monday night, I went to a rosary. For a friend of mine. Who was only 28 years old. Just months older than me. And yesterday, she was laid to rest. In her final resting place. We were childhood friends. We shared chocolate milk on Fridays, and helped each other with school projects.

All of this, seems so strange. We're young. She was so full of life. This should not have happened. Not to her. We still don't know if it was an accident. Self inflicted. Or murder. We don't know the whole story. Just the sadness. The sadness that comes with this loss.

I don't know why this is bothering me so much. I mean she was my friend. And it hurts to lose a friend. Especially through violence like this. But the pain is deeper. Like it's more available. More accessible. Like it could have been me, instead of her.

To be honest, I think it's because we were very similar. In lots of ways. Far beyond our ages. The similarities in our lives, they're a little scary. And not so many years ago, I found myself in a darkness. In a hole. Looking for a way out. Praying for someone to help me.



Today was spent with family. Just My Guy and his family. I really enjoyed it. And there was something so calming about this field of flowers that we past. It just made me smile. Gently blowing in the breeze. Almost like a message from above. Letting me know, that there is still beauty on earth. A message that life still moves forward.

I was lucky. I worked through my darkness. It was nothing like drugs or alcohol. But rather, things going on inside. Cleansing of my soul. Realizing and facing the things in my life, that were causing me the most pain. The most heartache. I got to work through all the things that were weighing me down, and sucking the life from me.

Looking back now, I wish I could have been more available to my friend. Even if it was just to listen to her. Maybe I could have helped. Maybe I could have made her feel better about herself. Who knows what that could have done. But it might have helped.

In the past, I've not been the best of friend, to all of my friends. You know, life gets busy. And the time and distance grows. I'm lucky to have an incredible core group of friends. People that are always there to love me. When I need it. And when I don't. And even sometimes, when I don't want anyone else around. They've helped me through so much. Especially my Battle with the Big C.

But there are also friends that I've let our friendship sort of "die down." These are good people. Great friends! And just because I lack in time, I've let things go. I realize that it's my fault. And I want to reconnect. Reconnect with high school friends. College friends. And childhood friends. I want to be a better friend. A more attentive friend.

Growing up is tough. All of a sudden everyone and everything, is screaming out for your time. It's demanded. And your "free time" becomes smaller and smaller. Blogging for me, has always been an "easy and fast" way to stay connected with friends. I can sit down for 5 minutes, and bam, all my friends know what I've been up to. I can sit at 2AM, and catch up on all their blogs. It's just "easy."

But "easy" is not what I'm looking for. I want good, strong, and loving friendships. I want to start talking, to all those people that I've lost touch with. The ones that I shared so much of my life with. The people that I think about. The ones that are always on my mind. I want to be a better friend to them.

I don't want to lose another friend like this. Tragically. I want to be there for them. To celebrate in their joys. And carry them through their sadness. I want to be that friend. I want to be the good friend that I used to be. Before I let my crazy schedule dictate my life.

"A" didn't die, without leaving a mark on all of us. She was special. Full of life. And even in her death, she is still inspiring good. "A" will be missed. By all those who loved her. But for me, she has inspired so much. In 28 years, she touched many lives. Now it is time for my friend to rest her soul. ♥

Elizabeth Taylor

What a beauty. A legend. Elizabeth Taylor. I was s sadden to hear the news this morning. Elizabeth has gone to heaven.

Why does this hurt my heart so much? I'm not sure. Maybe one of those things. Because she's the last on a truly amazing, classic, and elegant people. People who were larger than life. Bigger than you could imagine. Yes, that was Elizabeth.

I remember watching her movies as a kid. I've always liked a good black and white movie. And watching Cleopatra with my Mom. I remember immediately wanting to dress up like Cleopatra. To be her for Halloween. No lie!

There was this one time, I was really sick. And I remember coming home from school. I laid on the couch, put the TV on, and watched a marathon of Elizabeth Taylor's movies. It was probably one of the best days of my life. Other than being sick.

Elizabeth was the last of the real "Movie Stars." The legends. People who were "bigger than life." Not celebrities. But people who you really wished that you could meet. Maybe live their life for a day. Because what little girl didn't want to play with Elizabeth's beautiful jewelry.

Rest in Peace Elizabeth. You are so dearly loved by many. A truly elegant woman. ♥

His Dad...

Today is the anniversary of My Guy's Dad's death. It was unexpected, sudden, and tragic. A day he'll never forget. A day that not until recently, he'd kept very private, and to himself.

After all the things that happened with my Dad, we sat and talked. My Guy was AMAZING through that entire time! Utterly amazing. He was there for me. Let me cry. Let me just be. Then he shared his story, and his Daddy's story. Heartbreaking! Just heartbreaking.

I've known that this day was coming for a while now. That it was going to be a tough one. A big anniversary. Not just today. But that weeks leading up to, and following this day. All the memories. The questions. The comments. It's a lot for anyone to bear.

So I'm here for My Guy today. I want to be the strong one. The person for him to lean on. The shoulder for him to cry on. Yes, I know men don't like to talk about these things. Heck, they try to keep most stuff like this private. But I'm going to be here.

I know that My Guy an his Daddy had an amazing relationship. Something that most people wouldn't understand. A bond that is unbreakable. Even after all these years. It truly is amazing to hear My Guy talk about his Daddy. You can just feel the love that they shared.

Unfortunately, I never got to meet this amazing man. The man that shaped the man that I love. But he was also amazing. Had a heart of gold! And from what I hear, it was HUGE!

Today we are going to remember him, and celebrate his amazing life! Rest in peace. Know that you were and will always be so loved. By so many people. But most of all by your family, your son, and also by me. ♥

Am I Going to Be Ready?

1 month ago today, I found out about this 5K. I knew about it before then. But that's the day, I found out the actual date. It's in 15 days. No lie! And I just started training. As in, Sunday morning...

I usually run. Every single day. At least a mile. But usually more like 2 or 3 miles. By the end of the summer I was up to 5 miles a day! I was so proud of myself. But lately, things have been crazy. For about 2 months now, life has been ridiculously busy. The last 2 weeks, have been especially bad. But honestly, I wish I was still back home with Baby C. She is way more important than all of this.

Sunday, I decided that I needed to get my butt moving. I was 20 days away from running a 5K. I got up early, and somehow got My Guy to go running with me. We ran a mile. And walked the mile back to the house. It felt good. There is something incredible about running in the cool air. :)

Monday, My Guy had to work again. It's a little weird for him to work Monday and Tuesday. But this week, he had to. So he got up before me, again. Had me a glass of juice and a little snack ready. Then we went to run. A mile and a half! After that, we walked back to the house. Honestly, I thought I was going to die!

That was 3 miles on Monday morning. I was really sore from Sunday. And my back was really hurting. I don't know why. But on Sunday, I woke up with such a sore back. I could barely get out of bed. On Monday, ugh, I was in some fierce pain!

Tuesday, I could barely get out of bed. It didn't help that My Guy didn't have to be at work until near noon. His first day to sleep in since October 7th? I think that was the last day. Anyway, he was happily in bed. Asleep. And felt like I should be there too. Ugh, but I had to run.

So I literally rolled out of bed. Looked for some shoes and was out the door. Yes, I went running in my pjs. I mean, who in world is going to see me? We live in the BFE. And I run on our trails. No one in sight! I don't think our animals cared what I was wearing. They were the only ones awake at that hour. And just so you know, I had on 2 different shoes. I realized this on the walk back...

Wednesday, I had to run on the treadmill. I was already in Sin City. I'm not a fan of running outside here. So I ran on the treadmill. For 1 1/2 miles. My 3rd day at 1 1/2 miles. And I hated it. I just can't run on a treadmill. I hate it!

Yesterday, it was another mile and a half. Really annoying. But today, I branched out. I went running with some friends. Outside! Praise the Lord! I rather run outside than on a treadmill. Even though it was cold. And icky from all the rain. Oh, and we left in the dark. But it was a good run. And we ran 2 miles! :)

So am I crazy? I'm trying to get in gear for a 5K. In less than 3 weeks! I started with a mile. And I hope by this coming Monday, that I'm running 2 1/2 miles a day. My goal is to be running 3 miles by October 30th. Ugh! I should have been training weeks ago! You know doing it the right way. Slightly increasing my distance. And hopefullly my speed at the same time.

Whatever happens, I will be running a 5K on November 6th. Even if I'm sick. Or barely moving. You know, because of my back. Or if I have to haul my TPN with me. Even if I pass out halfway through, I'm going to accomplish this run.

Why? Because this event is in memory, of a very special person. Someone that meant the world to me. And I want to honor him in this little way. No matter what, I'm going to accomplish this. I just hope I'm ready for 3 miles of running. In my hometown. I know it's harder to run out there. Especially in the cold weather. ♥

We Miss You B

B,

It's been 5 years B. I can't believe it. 5 years! Yesterday, that was all I could think of. I miss you so much. I know your esposo misses you so much too We sat and talked about you and your baby today. He just fell apart. The emotions are still so raw.

I find myself still reaching for the phone. To call you. Just to chat about a new red lipstick that I've found. Or a new song that I like. I want to ask you how you're feeling. Or if you want to meet for lunch. I miss all of those things.

But it's your laugh, that I miss the most. It was fun and so full of life. Your smiles. I swear, they lit up an entire room. And your "Ya-yas." I miss all of those things about you B. I miss my friend.

I know that you are now with the Lord. And that you are no longer suffering. And for all of that, I find comfort. Because I know you are at ease. And you're happy. For those of us that you left behind, that's what makes it easier to deal with.

I still remember that last trip. All the fun we had. The fun wedding cakes we ate. How happy you were to see the groups playing. How happy we all were. Gabe and Linda had just gotten married. Sals and David had just had Marissa. Sarita was due any day. And you had told me about your little one. It was such an amazing trip!

Tonight, we celebrated you life. And your baby's life. The mass was beautiful. The music was gorgeous. But how could Mariachi not be gorgeous? It took everything I had inside, to get through some of those songs. It meant so much that your esposo asked me to sing them.

We all miss you so much. Sarita is always calling you her "Angel." But you're really A Guardian Angel to us all. It's been a tough 5 years. So much has changed. There are so many little ones. Your hubby has moved away. I've moved away. But we all still love and miss and love you so much!

Besitos,

La Chiquitita ♥

Tough Day

Today we buried my hero. My friend. The man that I thought of as my second dad. To say that it was tough, that's an understatement. The day was so hard. The HUGE rainstorm, it was fitting. Just as we got to the cemetery, the rain came. Like the earth was also mourning for my dear friend.

Nothing was harder than watching his casket being lowered. The wave of emotion that hit me. In that instant, I was numb with emotions. Like this was the finale. Now, it was true. My friend had gone to heaven.

It was a tough day. A day of sadness. Glorious sadness. I know my friend is now an Angel. Flying high above us. No longer in pain. Not suffering. But for those of us, that loved him, the sadness is overwhelming us. We're looking for comfort. For love. And only time will bring us comfort. ♥

Superman Lost His Fight

I can't help but be incredibly sad. Pretty much crushed. My hero, my mentor, my friend lost his battle yesterday. Incredibly sad. I feel so empty inside. Like a part of me is instantly missing. My Superman, he lost his fight.

He battled cancer for years. He had battled his health, his entire life. But he never gave up. Never said it was too much. And when I began my fight with "The Big C," it was my dear friend that encouraged my own fight.

I met him as a young child. Quickly he became one of my parent's best friends. And my mentor. Someone who had accomplished so much in his lifetime. He came from a small town. He went to college, and became a teacher. Never giving up on his own education, he earned his PhD. A truly amazing man.

My friend was also a family man. A father of 2. Was married for the second time. Completely in love with his wife. He loved his grandchildren. And his stepchildren. He was devoted to his family. And that, I learned. Family always comes first. He taught me that.

He was also a devoted man. To the church. He loved his God. As I love God. Church made him happy. He enjoyed religion. He enjoyed everything about the church. And that, we shared. We'd talk about church. I'd send him various religious articles, symbols, and cards. We have a love for our Lord, that is an unbroken bond. A forever love.

My dear friend was my hero. My Superman. He taught me that nothing is ever out of reach. With plenty of hard work and persistence, you can get there. You can accomplish all of your goals. It just takes hard work. He had a dream to own a home, near the mountains. One of those expensive ones. About 10 years ago, he accomplished that. I remember the first time I visited. And we sat looking at the mountains and the stars. He also held an important job. One that took his entire career to get to. But one that he was so proud of.

He wasn't just a casual meeting. A chance friend. Someone that passes through your life. My friend had a HUGE impact on my life. He changed the direction I would take. The way I look at life. Even the man, that I allowed myself to fall in love with. Yes, my friend encouraged me to love My Guy. He knew it was important to have a life partner.

As incredibly sad as I am, I'm grateful. This amazing man was in my life. For 20 years. He changed me. He taught me. He allowed me to grow. He made my life better. And he taught me how to live. I'll never forget those things. Ever! Because that's how special he was.

My friend will always have a HUGE place in my heart. Thinking about him, brings a smile to my face. Those familiar hugs, I will miss them. I'll miss talking about life. His encouraging words. And his kind heart.

As hard as my own battle with "The Big C" has been, I will never give up. I've learned that from this man. To never give up. You never know what God has planned for you. Or what lies in your future.

On this day. The day when my heart is heavy with grief, I pray. I pray that my friend no longer has to suffer. That he gets to dance with the angels. Eat all the yummy food his heart desires. That he longer has to feel the pain that he lived with. And that my dear Lord has opened the Gates of Heaven to him. ♥

6 Years...

Auntie Chuchie,

It's been 6 long years. I remember that day, like it was yesterday. In fact, that entire week, felt like a blur. A blur, that I couldn't process at the time. But that I would remember well. Remember all the details from.

What a difficult week it was. I was so sad. And all I wanted to do, was go home. So I could see you. Instead, I was at my home. Sore from my accident. Finishing your blanket. And praying, that I'd get it back to you.

It was our favorite holiday. And I was trying everything, to get in the Halloween Spirit. Instead, I was miserable. Thinking, I need to be somewhere else. I need to be somewhere more important. With you.

I managed to handout candy. And somehow make it to rehearsal. But I couldn't get you, off of my mind. I knew something horrible, was going to happen. And there wasn't a thing I could do!

Late that night, I got the heartbreaking call. That you had gone with God. And my heart broke. I sat in silence. Felt like someone, had kicked me in the gut. And I couldn't breathe. Because I realized, my best friend was now gone.

It's been 6 years. And the pain is still here. Still haunts me every single day. I try to hold on to your memory. Anyway that I can. Since your passing, I've ALWAYS had a yellow kitchen. I make sure to have your picture with me. And anytime, that I meet someone new, I tell them about my amazing Auntie Chuchie.

I don't think I'll ever get used to the fact, that you're not here anymore. I'll never stop feeling this pain. But I'll ALWAYS have you with me! All the wonderful memories.

I wish, that we had had more time. That you could have taught me more. Like how to make your Frito pie, and meatloaf! Oh, and empanaditas. But more importantly, so that we could have more time together. More time to make memories. And share our lives.

There's not a day, that I don't think about you. Your AMAZING heart. And all the love, that you shared, with each of us. I miss you every single day! And I wish that we could just sit and talk. For just 5 more minutes. I love you Auntie Chuchie!

Love,
Your Little Niece♥

Missing B

Dear B,

It's been 4 years. 4 years ago, you walked through the Gates of Heaven. I miss you B. Big O misses you. We all do! Sarita calls you her Angel. But I know, you are an Angel to all of us.

I can't believe how many things have happened in the last 4 years. How many things have changed. I've met an amazing man. I know you would like him. His sense of humor, it reminds me a lot of you. Sometimes when I'm sitting quietly, I think about us. How fun it would have been, to have you and Big O over for dinner. You'd love it out here. And I know that we'd all get along so well!

But life changed. So much. Is it nuts that I still go to e-mail you? Or that I've had at least 8 cellphones in the last 4 years. And I still put your number in my contacts. But that's the kind of friend that you were.

A close one. Someone I'd call when I found the perfect lipgloss. Or when something horrible had happened. I know, you would have been the first person, I would have called when I met My Guy. Or after our first date. We would talk about silly things. Like what kind of cologne he wore. Or the music he was playing in his car.

I miss you B. I miss going to your house. I miss seeing how happy you and Big O were. How your dogs would chase us around. And that laugh of yours. B I miss you. You were the first of my "Family of Friends." The first person to really welcome me to the group. To show me around.

And through all of that, we became the best of friends. So close! Joking about my horrible love life. Or lack thereof. I miss going to lunch and trying all sorts of weird and new foods. But most of all, I just miss you. Talking to you. Listening to you.

B, I know that you are in a better place. That you are no longer in pain. You're no longer hurting or suffering. But B, we all miss you. I'm not the only one. We still sit and talk about you. Look through pictures. Just so we don't forget. Because how can we forget you? You were an amazing friend! B Rest in Peace with all the Angels. And until we meet again...

Besitos,
La Chiquitita♥