For Valentine's Day....

Though I strongly believe that love should be something that is celebrated everyday, I'll take the opportunity to express gratefulness for the love I have been blessed with in my own life (hopefully without the expense of being too corny or cliched.)

To my wonderful husband: You have made my life more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.  Sharing a life of love with you has been one of the greatest blessings in my life, and I am thankful for all the ways you have demonstrated your love to me.  Thank you for your unconditional love and for being the most incredible husband to me.  I am so grateful for you everyday.

Our daughter to be:  I dream of what it will be like to meet you everyday and can't wait until I can finally hold you in my arms.  Your daddy and I love you so much already, and I am so grateful for the precious blessing that you have been and will be in our lives.  Thank you for already teaching me so much about love.

To my amazing parents:  Your love for one another and for all of us has made a meaningful and everlasting impact in my life.  Thank you for never growing tired of loving us, caring for us, and encouraging and supporting us throughout our lives.  I am so blessed to have you both as my parents.

To all our incredible family and friends:  I am indebted with gratitude for the ways you have been there for us and shared in our lives by your love and friendship.  Thank you!

 

 

In loving memory...

My dear brother,

A day hasn't gone by that I don't think of you or am reminded of you in some form or another.  I can hardly believe that three years have passed since you've gone to Heaven.  I can't even begin to tell you how much I've missed you.  So much has happened that I have longed to share with you, but in my heart, I know that you're not suffering any longer.  The only hope I can cling to when I feel the anguish of your absence is knowing that you're at peace now, that the battle you fought so bravely for so long had finally ended. 

I can't help but miss you though.  Sometimes I find myself wishing I could pick up my phone and call you, just to hear your voice or share some exciting news with you.  My heart aches for you most in moments of joy, for those are moments I wish I could share with you.  I know you would've danced with me at my wedding and smiled to know how happy I was.  You loved Scott and believed in us; you knew we would take care of each other.  When we found out I was pregnant, you were the first person I thought of.  I heard your magical laugh when we found out it was girl.  I know you would've loved her as much as I do and surely would have cared for her as you did your own.  I wish we could see our kids grow up together and watch them play and explore.  You were always so good with the kids, and I see them so much in you, especially Daniel.  I feel like you're looking out at me through his eyes sometimes. 

My only regret is that our time together on Earth was far too short.  It almost seems like yesterday that you were bouncing us on the trampoline or tickling us until we could bear it no longer.  There are so many things I wish we could have experienced together, but I am thankful for the precious memories I have with you, and I will cherish them as long as I live.

I only hope that you knew how much you were loved and that you were the best father, husband, brother, and son.  Our lives, this world, is truly a better place because you were here with us.  We are better people because of your place in our lives.  Such a void of your passing can never be filled, but we have Hope, and to that Hope I cling. 

I can't wait to tell our baby girl about her amazing and brave Uncle.  I will tell her stories of us, like how you paid me once to do the dishes before Mom got home, so she would be happy.  Or how you took us to the store in your truck to buy us whatever candy we wanted.  I will tell her about the courage you had and how you fought to the very end, never despairing or giving up hope. 

When I think of you, I think of you like a guardian angel, watching over us, resting in peace and free from pain and adversity.  I wish I could give you a hug and tell you how much I love you and how thankful I am to have you as my big brother.  Until we meet again, you will always live on in my memories, and I will always remember you with love and thankfulness-thankful to God for the precious time in life we did have together.


In loving memory of Juan de Dios Estrada, May 1st 1973-December 19th, 2006