For my daughter, with love

                                                          

As you embark in the journey to motherhood, I thought I would reminise back to when you came to be.

I was younger than you (17 years) a senior in high school and your dad was 18 years old and a freshman in college, we were excited and although most thought we weren't ready, we were! We had the love and support from my father, all the Rivera families.

                                                         (Baby Shower!)

I have to admit, it was tough, at times, but we always found a way. We protected you, guided you and made sure you have everything you ever wanted, as we still do.
I have to confess, the news was a bit shocking and though I believe you are still young, I go back and remember myself, who was younger than you and feel that you are more mature for your age. I am getting more excited and anxious each day.


I joke that I am too young to be a grandmother but I am happy. I will be there to pick you up if you fall, but always let you live life and raise your child as you seem fit. Know that I will have to put my 2 cents in here and there, but ultimately your descision counts. As I am getting used to the idea; I think being a young Gigi (grandmother) will be cool, since I will be young enough to chase him or her around and still be able to do things.

Know that my rules still stands, FINISH COLLEGE!!!!! Travel, buy a house, travel some more and enjoy life, a baby is just an added bonus.

You will eventually understand why we parents are the way we are, how we get frusterated when you kids don't listen to us, now that you will be a parent, (I can't wait to tell you I told you so) and for you to now be the one to guide, nourish your baby the way we did to you. 

Steph you will always be my baby girl, and I will be here for you always. I love you doll!

Love,
Mom


Ok enough with the tears! Lets see some pictures.

Starlettes, one of our many activites together!

At
UTEP summer camp!

 

First Holy Communion with Dad and me.

                                                 You and your little brother Alex

Fiesta de las Flores 2010 Queen Candidate

El Paso Times Living Sections
Queen Candidates

Outside the County Commissioners Meeting
Introduction of Candidates

Senior Cheerleading picture!

Father's day

Today is a bitter sweet day, Father's Day and although it has been 3 months since I lost my dad, I celebrate him. He was there through the good times and the bad; scolded me when I wanted to run away ( I laugh now), stood by my side no matter what.

He would come over to have breakfast or lunch often with my mother and would keep himself busy while mom and I cleaned buy taking the plastic grocery bags and fold each one of them up like a triangle. I would at first tell him, "dad, you should not waste your time folding them, they are just going to be harder to unfold and be thrown in the trash anyway." He would just say his famous words "Well, and Oh boy!" and continue to fold them anyway.

It was just yesterday that I realized how much I missed him sitting here folding them bags that are now an awful looking pile in pantry when I was fumbling through on of the drawers in the kitchen looking for a spatula and stumbled upon a folded up grocery bag. Steph and I were amazed to see it there because I open that same drawer everyday and not once did I see it there.

I needed that sign from my dad to let me know he was still there with me. I am going through a person hardship in my marriage and dad was the only one I could talk to, I prayed that he would give me a sign and he did. I was the most beautiful feeling in the world. I smelled the bag and I could smell him and honestly felt him hug me.

My son, daughter and I went to visit my dad at the cemetary today, it was nice. We also went on a scavenger hunt looking for my grandfather, my dad's dad and found him. That was fun, my dad always liked scavenger hunts.

Here are some pics of my dad.