Dan's Birthday November 18, 1982

It's Dan's birthday. My little 9 lb. 14 ounce bundle of joy turns 28 today. This is one of his favorite pictures. It was taken when he was 1 month old. I remember taking him to Sears that day like it was yesterday. The photographer asked me to sit him up. I looked at her and told her he can't sit up yet he's only a month old. She was amazed at how big he was. So we laid him on his tummy and she propped his head up with a stuffed animal. Thanks Dan for being a wonderful son. You have always been a tremendous joy in my life. I love being your mom.

Michael age 5

I was looking through some pictures today and came across this one of Michael in 1998 when he was five. The moment I saw his innocent face it took my breath away. What a beautiful child. I carried this image with me all day at work and knew I had to write about it when I got home. I know it is common for parents to say "I wish I could go back in time when my children were little" and I am no exception. I loved those times. Michael was a child so full of joy and laughter. Today as a young man he still fills our lives with joy and laughter. My wish for you Michael is that you will always keep that joy and laughter in you to share with others. I loved you then my little boy and I love you now my young man.

My Three Sons -1998

No one could love or be more proud of their children than I am of my three sons, Daniel, Andrew and Michael. I believe my greatest purpose in life was to give life to these 3 boys who make the world a better place. Dan, so much like his father, he touches and changes lives through his kindness, generosity and understanding in ways he may never be aware of. Andrew has the beautiful gift of music. He makes the world a more beautiful place when you listen to him play. Michael, is so spiritual, he has a personality that just draws you in, you want to be around him. He is an old soul in a young body. I am truly blessed to be the one they call mom.

In Memory of Tony 1962-2003

     On Wednesday morning the 21st day of May 2003 I felt my life had just come to an end. I had to say a final goodbye to my husband, my best friend and my soul mate. God had callled him home and I was left behind. I felt abandoned and betrayed by God. This was the person I was suppose to grow old with, the person who gave me so many wonderful gifts and memories during the 24 years we were together. The most precious of those gifts are our three sons, Daniel, Andrew and Michael.
     Tony lost his battle with lupus at the age of 41. It wasn't a long fight. In fact he never really stood a chance of winning, but we didn't know that. His first symptoms started August 10 2002. But one thing about Tony, he was brave, optimistic, and full of hope. He believed God would take care of him. He always said God would not drop him, but would catch him. We just didn't think that God would catch him, hold him so close and not let him go. I can undertand why though. Once someone caught Tony they never wanted to let him go. He was a great friend to so many. For those of you who knew him I truly believe your life is richer for it. I will never know a finer man and heaven is lucky to have him. In the words of 10 year old Michael, his dad will make a great angel.
       We chose a special song for Tony's service and I would like to end with some words from that song. This is how Tony would have wanted everyone to live life.
       "May you never take one single breath for granted, God forbid love ever leave you empty handed. I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean. Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens. Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance, and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I Hope You Dance!"

God Bless You
Teresa
August 2003

My first best friend

My first best friend, Vivian and I met in the 6th grade. I remember the day she walked into class as the new girl. I had lived in Simi Valley since I was 3, her family had just moved there and she knew no one. We became instant friends. She had the type of personality I wish I had. She was funny and outgoing in public. I was shy and reserved. But when we were together I could put my shyness aside and have fun. She also had a freedom and responsibilities I wasn't use to. Both her parents worked late in the evenings and she was left home alone to start the dinner, clean the house and babysit her young nephews. I remember the sleep overs down in her basement. That's another thing, I never knew anyone who had a basement in their home. You don't have them much in Southern California. We would stay up late at night and watch TV, laugh and eat junk food. All without the supervision of adults. To me that was living! I don't know where Vivian is today but I hope she remembers our days together with a smile the way I do.

Dan and I at Graceland July 20, 2003

If you know me then you know I am, and have been since the age of 5, an Elvis fan. In 2002 Tony planned a trip to Graceland. We were watching a tv show about Elvis and he looked over at me and said I promise you I am going to take you to Graceland. He booked the trip for June of  2003. When he passed away a month before we were to leave, all the joy went away. I had no desire to go. Instead the boys and I flew into Memphis and drove to Knoxville to spend a month with my parents and brother. Dan asked me if I wanted to just drive by Graceland since we were so close, but I chose not to. After 3 weeks in Knoxville I decided my boys deserved the vacation their dad had planned for us, so off we went to Nashville for the night and then on to Graceland. It was Tony's final gift to us and I felt good about honoring that wish. The day started out bittersweet, but I felt Tony with us throughout the day. The boys and I had a wonderful time and created some beautiful memories. I think it was a very healing experience for all of us. While walking around the grounds Dan looked over at me and said "Mom, This is you pilgrimage. Most people go to the holy lands, but you, you go to Graceland." This picture was taken at the end of the tour. Dan and I standing on the steps of Elvis' home was a dream come true for me. I am so grateful I was able to share the experience I had thought about for years with my children. Thank you Tony. It was a beautiful gift.

Me and my Dad

The year is 1960 and the man in the picture is Charlie. He was the first man in my life. My childhood memories of my dad have remained the same into my adult life. He was and is one of the most intelligent men I have ever known. His strong mind and body were capable of doing anything he set his mind too. The years have taken away the strong body, but not his intelligence. As a child I remember turning to my dad for advice and more than once being in awe of him. He was never big on conversation, but his presence spoke volumes. I never doubted he loved me. And I love him.