My mom is my wonder woman. She was such an incredible, and passionate person. Her beauty radiated everywhere she walked, and she was just as beautiful on the inside. She had a super power of love. The way she loved so deeply is something I’ve always admired about her. No matter the obstacles she faced in her life, she always found a moment to celebrate simply being alive. She had the most infectious laugh I’ve ever heard in my life; it was something I loved so much about her. Growing up, she was a first grade teacher at the school I attended. All of her colleagues would always know when she was present, because they’d hear her laugh echo throughout the hallways. On her off days you could always catch her listening to salsa and dancing while washing the dishes or cooking. She spent most of her time with me and our family. We’d have shopping days, park days, movie nights, spa nights, and so much more. My mom was always my best friend since I was little; even in the tougher times we had when I was older. Our relationship taught me the power of love, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter. Our ability to overcome life’s challenges together, and our differences is something I carry with me everyday. She was always there for me no matter what. She’d sacrifice anything to make sure she could support me. She was also more than just my mom; she was an amazing daughter, sister, and friend. Above all titles, she was a person, a person who put her absolute all into everything she did, and everyone she knew. She wore her heart on her sleeve, and was unapologetically her. Her ability to navigate such difficult situations in her life was something special. She moved to the beat of her heart, and always did what was best for her, but firstly her kids, no matter how hard it was. When she battled cancer for the first time I saw such a strength in her that I had never seen before. She fought with every fiber in her being. The way she juggled so many things at once during that time never ceases to amaze me. No matter how horrible she felt she always still put me first. I watched her heart break over and over, and witnessed how she grew to put it back together. She was a force that moved with God in her heart. Her strength, love, and power is still so profound to me. She had a heart of pure gold. She made my life full of color, laughter, and joy, and I’ll always be forever grateful that she is my mom. 

Toby was the best companion a girl could ever have. He was brought into my life when I was 6 years old, and grew with me until I was 20. He brought a deeper sense of happiness and unconditional love into my life. I didn’t know how much was missing from my heart until he arrived. He was the greatest gift God had blessed me with. No one knew me as deeply as he did. He watched me grow from a child to an adult, and was there for me through all of my challenges that came with growing up. When life seemed pitch black he was a gigantic ball of light that kept me going. I could have the worst day, but I looked forward to going home just to see him because he would always make me feel better. I felt I could face anything life threw at me with Toby by my side. I always knew he was an angel sent from above to guide me for all of those years, and he still is now. I’ll never forget the happiness he brought me every single day. In his prime days he was a white fur ball of pure energy, and he loved to bark. He was a little rebel, and I didn’t mind in the slightest even when he’d make a mess of things…how could anyone stay mad at that face. He lived his life how he wanted, and made it very known when he didn’t like something. He was also the biggest snuggle bug. He was exactly what I needed in my life. In his older days he was still vocal, but also a baby/old man at the same time. You could find him basking in the sun, sniffing the air, or knocked out on the couch or bed. It was a routine to take after school naps with him and wake up feeling like we slept for ages. He loved his naps, and he loved his treats. He was a strong boy. When he got sick he held on until we realized it was past the time to let him go. He was the most special boy in my life, and I carry his love with me every day.