Letters to Heaven: You Are Present in the Interruptions

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” —Matthew 6:34

September 30, 2013

Dear Jesus:

This past weekend we went up to UConn for family weekend. Chabeli came with us. After one month without Alex, we were all dying to see him. It was an awesome weekend. Even though I signed up for all the events, we only made it to the Saturday brunch. The rest of the time, we did things on our own. The main purpose of our trip was to spend time with Alex, and that's what we did.

We had a delicious dinner on Saturday night at a little restaurant near the university called Altnaveigh Inn. The food was spectacular. It reminded me of The Peacock Inn in Princeton and a little French restaurant that we loved when we visited Crested Butte. It was simply fabulous.

Earlier this month, I also went to Orlando with my Belen Emmaus sisters for a "Women of Faith" conference. I have to share with You that I have mixed feelings about the conference. On one hand, I enjoyed the talks tremendously. I was also blown away by the number of women that were present, all from different backgrounds and religious denominations. It was a sight for sore eyes to see everyone praising You together. I felt the joy all around me. However, what I did not like was the fact that the conference was auditorium style. We did not have any opportunities for personal reflection. Also, the place was too dark for journaling. And another thing that I disliked was that they were constantly trying to sell items. I felt like if I was at a sports event instead of a religious conference.

I probably won't go back. I prefer the silent retreats or Emmaus. Next year, if I don't have the opportunity to attend a silent retreat, maybe I'll try a "Life in the Spirit" retreat at my parish. Wherever You lead me, Jesus. You are in control. I am thankful for the opportunity to attend the conference this year, and to witness that there are a lot of people that are still following You.

My favorite talk was given by Mark Lowry, author of the song "Mary did you know?" which is one of my favorite songs. He gave the first talk which set the mood for the weekend. I was very impressed when he spoke about Your Mother, and he shared his profound love for her. The last person that I expected would be mentioned in this conference was Your Mom. Therefore, to kick off the conference hearing about her, and to listen to the song, was awesome. He said something very interesting. The only one that knew without a doubt that You were the Son of God at the moment of your crucifixion was Mama Mary. He said that if You had not been God's Son, Mary, just like any normal mother, would have started screaming, "Forgive Him. He's crazy. He says those things because He's not well in His mind. Of course He's not God's Son. He's my Son, mine and Joseph's." But Mama Mary was quiet at the time of your crucifixion because Mama Mary knew that she was a virgin when You were conceived and she received the angel's visit. She was the only one that knew these things. There were no witnesses. He blew me away, especially because he is not Catholic. I was very happy to see that not all Christians deny Mama Mary. Mr. Lowry also said that You are present in the interruptions but rarely in my plans. How true those words are. It reminded me of my grandma telling me: "El hombre propone y Dios dispone." (Man proposes but God decides). How many times have I made plans only to see them evaporate because You have something else in mind. So Jesus, You are in control, of my life and of my plans.

Another great speaker was Sheila Walsh. She encouraged us not to simply exist but to live. I try to do this everyday. That is why I'm always so very busy. She wrote a book, "God loves broken people." I considered buying it, but in the end, I bought the one from Max Lucado, my second favorite speaker. I'm looking forward to reading his book, "You'll get through this."

This month we also started a study about angels in Bible class. I'm amazed by your spiritual world. I hope that one day, You give me the gift to be able to see into your spiritual realm, but even if it never happens, I know that it exists. Thank You for giving us your angels to protect us, to bring us your messages, and to guide us to You.

I love You, Jesus!!!

September 30, 2017

Dear Jesus:

My friend Anna gave me a little angel to keep me company during our trip. I have had many angel encounters, and most of them have taken place during trips. I will keep my eyes and my ears open during this trip to the angels that You will place on our path.

I know that You are very much present in the interruptions. You know how much I like to plan ahead because I'm a bit compulsive. And You know how much I detest when You alter my plans. This trip was already interrupted once, thanks to hurricane Irma. I guess You wanted us to depart on the feast of the Archangels instead. They will keep us company throughout our trip.

I have released my plans to You, so please, guide us wherever You want us to go. I don't even have trains reserved between the cities. On my original plan, those were booked way in advance. This time, I'll let You decide the day, the time, and the mode of transportation. But if possible, please don't send us any more interruptions. Allow your Mama Mary to walk with us on our journey, and send us angels to lead us and to guide us.

Thank You for protecting us on the first leg of our trip. I am here at the Paris airport, waiting to board our second flight which will take us to Budapest. Please, keep us safe. And continue to protect our family and friends back home.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven: Surrendering My Agenda

"Even when God's will does not correspond to your own desires, it is always beneficial for you." — St. Arnold Janssen

September 29, 2011

Dear Mama Mary:

You are visiting our home this week. I just finished praying a rosary asking You to intercede for Baby Nico. Please, Mother, ask your Son to heal him if it is His will. Give strength to Caro, Alina, and their whole family as they walk through their valley of tears. Give them endurance as they cross the ring of fire. I know the pain that they are feeling because I have felt it too. My heart goes out to them. You also know the pain they are feeling because You have felt it too. Please, Mother, give them a ray of hope.

I have started my Bible classes at St. Louis. This year, we are studying St. Paul's Letters to the Corinthians. What an amazing apostle St. Paul was. I was asked to lead one of the small groups. My first reaction was "I can't do it, I don't have the time." However, I decided to pray about it. After praying, my answer was still "no," mostly because of tax season. I can't take so much time with all the pressure that tax season places on my shoulders. I called Joan and I told her that I couldn't make the commitment. Obviously, your Son had other plans because Joan called me back and asked me if I could commit until January. At this point, I didn't have any more excuses so I said "yes." I really wanted to participate more actively in the Emmaus retreat this semester but your Son is obviously pushing me in a different direction. I was just reading the letter that I wrote him last month where I surrendered my agenda to Him. Well, He certainly took care of that for me.

I know that I am doing His will because I feel full of joy and filled with the Holy Spirit. I have a group of twelve beautiful ladies that are eager to grow closer to your Son. They want to increase their faith. I hope I can serve your Son well by being a good example of humility. I hope I can help these ladies get closer to Him. In the process, I know that I will also grow closer to Him and my faith will increase.

Now, I dedicate two mornings a week to the Bible class. On Tuesday mornings, I meet with Joan and the other group leaders to prepare the lesson. Please, Mother, intercede for Joan, the leaders and the participants. Keep the enemy away.

Please, continue to intercede for Baby Nico.

I love You, Mama Mary, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom

September 29, 2017

Dear Mama Mary:

This year, our Bible study is all about You. I'm so excited. We've only had one lesson and I have learned so much about You already. You have such an important role in salvation history. I had never pictured You as a warrior, but You go to battle every day for us. You have been in constant battle with Satan. He despises You so much, but You will win the battle. I know that sometimes it seems that the world is turning evil, but I believe that the majority of humanity is good, and when push comes to shove, they will turn to God.

Six years ago, our whole community of faith was praying for Baby Nico who was very sick. Today, I want to say a special prayer for his mom, Caro, who is expecting her third baby. Losing Baby Nico was the hardest thing she ever had to go through, but your Son blessed her with a beautiful baby girl, Bella Nicole, three years later. I know that Baby Nico has a special place in heaven, and he will live forever in Caro's heart, as well as in the hearts of everyone that knows this beautiful family. I picture, You, Mama Mary, rocking him to sleep every night. Please, fill Caro with your blessings so that she will bring another beautiful, healthy, baby girl into this world next year.

Today, I'm leaving to Europe. I was supposed to have left two weeks ago, but your Son had a different plan. It shouldn't surprise me. My agenda is always different than His. But I'm surrendering it to Him, and I'll let Him lead the way. Please, Mama Mary, accompany us on this trip, and please,  watch over my babies like You always do.

I love You, Mama Mary!!!

Letters to Heaven: Parenthood is for Life... There is No Retirement

"Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray." Proverbs 22:6

September 28, 2010

Dear Jesus:

All my babies are happy so I am happy. Alex is doing fine in school, more or less. He brought a C in Spanish in his report card already. Not a good start. Rafe took away the football games. I would have preferred it if he had taken away the video games instead. As far as everything else, Alex is doing great. He's playing tennis three times a week, he continues with his guitar lessons, he has a great group of friends, and he's just a happy kid. Jesus, keep him always happy.

Rafi has settled back at Princeton. We have been talking to him two to three times per week. He's happy with all his classes. He has not complained about his roommates or anything else for that matter. Jesus, I pray for him. I leave him in your hands to protect and to guide through the path of righteousness.

My Chabeli is also doing really well. I'm so proud of her. The first few days in London were rough because she got sick to her stomach. But she handled it like a trooper. Once she got to the university, she got a cold, "the fresher's flu," she said. Please Jesus, keep her healthy. Don't let her get sick while she's so far away. Other than those minor inconveniences, she has been handling the separation from us mighty well. She was a bit homesick at the beginning, but now she's enjoying the experience. She has made a bunch of new international friends. She enjoyed her 21st birthday to the max. Her new and old friends even baked her a cake with candles and all. They also went to celebrate at a bar. I have seen the pictures, and she looks beautiful and happy. All the technology of the 21st century is quite amazing. I have been able to talk to her every single day either by phone, video-skype, chat through Facebook or text message. I get to read her blog and see her pictures. It makes it so much easier to be a parent. This weekend they are going to Edinburgh. Please, keep them safe Jesus. Keep all bad thieves and bad spirits far, far away from them. Guard them and protect them. Send an army of angels to watch over them.

I love You, Jesus!!!

September 28, 2017

Dear Jesus;

This past weekend, Alex was involved in a bad car accident in Connecticut. Thank You for protecting him, Jesus. It could have been so much worst. He was hit on the passenger side so he didn't sustain any injuries. Thank You also because he was alone. If someone had been sitting on that side, it would have been bad. I also want to thank You because You sent him a humble and polite police officer, and the person on the other car was also very nice to Alex. Thank You for always surrounding my babies with angels.

We were at a restaurant when we got the call. Funny that we had just finished toasting to parenthood, since we were celebrating 28 years since we had our second child. Rafael said: "Can we retire already from parenthood?" Not a minute had passed since he uttered those words, when his phone rang and Alex was on the line telling him that he had crashed. I guess there is no retirement from parenthood. This club is for life.

We were supposed to be in Vienna when he called us. Our trip was postponed because of hurricane Irma. You knew that it was much better for us to receive that phone call at 7 pm in Miami than at 1 am in Vienna. Thank You, Jesus, for changing our plans.

Please, protect all our babies. Surround them with angels. Keep them safe and guarded at all times.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven: Do not Wish it Away

"Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” —John16:22

September 27, 2009

Dear Jesus:

I'm sitting here with You in your Sacred Garden. It's very early on this Sunday morning and everyone is sleeping. Even the dog is snoring next to me.

As I sit here with You, I want to ask You Jesus to please heal my son Rafi. Jesus, maybe I'm being selfish but I want You to heal him completely. I know that everyone says that this illness is for life but they don't know what they are talking about. Those that say that don't know You. They don't know what You are capable of. You cured him once already, from the encephalitis. You can cure him again.

I know that this illness is treatable with medication. I am very grateful that his doctor seems to have found the right medication. I am very thankful that Rafi is doing so much better. Please, don't think that I'm so selfish that I don't recognize that. I do. I am happy. I am at peace. I am filled with gratitude for everything that has been accomplished. However, I still want more, and I apologize if You think that I'm very ungrateful. I want my healthy Rafi back. I know that You are bigger than all the doctors. I know that if You place your hands on Rafi, You will heal him.

I understand that he probably has to go through this to find his purpose, his way, and the road back to You. I know that in going through this, he will find meaning for his life, and he will become a much better person: stronger, wiser, more loving and caring. I know that You are refining him, that is why You had to put him in the fire.

I don't know how much longer You will need to put him back on the fire. I hope that You are done with him. I pray that he's fully baked. Once You are finished with him, when You feel that You don't need to put him inside the oven again, please heal him completely, so he can be a better Rafi, a stronger Rafi, and a healthier Rafi.

Jesus, sorry if you feel I'm ungrateful for wanting full health for my boy.

I love You, Jesus!!!


October 1, 2009

Dear Jesus:

I want to start by apologizing to You. Last week, I was very selfish and ungrateful. I wanted it all. I wanted Rafi's total healing without medication. You sent me two messages, one through Elyna and one through Romi, my two long time friends. Elyna told me to tell Rafi not to "wish it away." That's what I was doing. I was "wishing it away." He needs to learn to live with this illness, even if it means that he has to take the medication for life. Romi then reinforced your message by telling me that taking medication is not a bad thing. She told me, "If it's meant to help, take the pill. Why suffer if there is a pill that can help? Why withstand pain if there is something out there to alleviate it?" The important thing is to be able to lead a normal life, and if he needs medication to help him, then thank You, Jesus, for the pill. I promise never again to wish his illness away.

I love You, Jesus!!!

September 27, 2017

Dear Jesus:

Today Rafi will be sharing his story with his coworkers. I am so proud of him. He has embraced his illness beyond my wildest imagination. I was the one that struggled with it and begged You to heal him. Rafi accepted it without ever questioning You. He never wished away his illness. He has always accepted his cross with pride and dignity. And I know, that he will help so many people by sharing his testimony.

We each have a cross to carry. We need to learn to live with our cross and embrace it, just like You did on your way to Calvary. We will enter heaven through our cross. It will be the ladder and the key into heaven. That is why we should never wish away our cross. We should offer it for someone that  has a heavier cross than ours.

Please, Jesus, be with Rafi today. Carry him and embrace him. He's very nervous, and so am I. But I trust You fully and completely. I have no doubt that the reason why You kept him in the oven for so long is because all along, You had a plan. He is fully baked. It's time to open the oven and share your beautiful creation with the world. May your will be done.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven: On the Road to Emmaus

"Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road?" Luke 24:32

September 26, 2009

Dear Jesus:

Here I am, sitting at the foot of the cross. I am in front of You, in the chapel of Casa Manresa, while the Belen Emmaus is taking place.

Jesus, I want to pray for the team, starting with the leaders and ending with the helpers. Please help them to be transparent so that everyone can see You through them and in them. Help them to be able to keep the team united as one body. Let nothing disturb the peace that they are trying to keep in place. Let them understand that their duty as servants is to keep their eyes on You all the time.

I want to pray for the table leaders. They have a big job because they are your ears, your mouth, your eyes... They are the closest to the retreatants. It is through them that the retreatants will open up or remain closed. Help them to be humble, loving, caring and understanding. Help them to listen without judging. Help them understand that their job is just to be your instruments. An instrument of peace and love.

I want to pray for the talks. Let the women assigned to witness be a true reflection of your love for them. May they open up their hearts so that the retreatants can see You within their hearts.

I want to pray for the "Martha's": the kitchen helpers, logistics, and all the women that have worked and are working very hard to make this retreat possible. Allow them to understand that everything they are doing, they are doing it for You. It doesn't matter if things are perfect, what matters is how much love they put in the doing.

I want to pray for the Blessed Sacrament prayer team. They are at your feet the entire weekend, praying, meditating... They are the backbone of the retreat. Bless them, Jesus, with your love, your peace, and the knowledge that You are here with them.

Last but not least, I want to pray for the retreatants. May their hearts be opened to feel You, to hear You, to love You. Please, Jesus, come out and meet them in the road to Emmaus. Don't let them leave without seeing your face.

I love You, Jesus!!!

September 26, 2017

Dear Jesus:

The Emmaus retreat of fall 2009 was the first one that I was not part of the team. I didn't participate in the spring retreats because of tax season, but I had been able to actively participate on every fall retreat until that year. I was dealing with Rafi's illness, and I just wasn't ready to open up and share all the pain in my heart. I did go to the Blessed Sacrament, and spent a few hours there with You. How peaceful I feel when I sit at your feet. I wish I could sit there forever. 

While I was there, I felt the love of my Emmaus sisters. Some of them suspected that something was very wrong, but they were too respectful to ask me. Susy, Berny, and Maria came over and hugged me. I felt like You were hugging me. Thank You for my Emmaus sisters, for their love and their prayers. Even though they didn't even know what was going on, they were supporting me and praying for my family. I knew that when the time was right, I would come out of my cocoon, and open up like a butterfly. I returned to the Emmaus last December, and for the first time, I was able to share a small piece of our story. 

Thank You, Jesus, for my community of faith. We pray for each other. We support each other. We encourage each other. We rejoice during happy occasions and we cry when the storms of life affect one of our members. We truly are your Body here on earth. Please, allow Emmaus to continue touching the lives of many men and women that would not otherwise have the opportunity to meet You. Please, Jesus, continue encountering us on the road to Emmaus.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven: I Am Just an Ordinary Little Pencil in Your Hands

"Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work." H. L. Hunt

September 25, 2007

Dear Jesus:

This past weekend, I heard your voice loud and clear. I heard your message. I heard your request. However, I have been struggling with the fact that my schedule is jam packed. I have been reviewing my commitments to determine what I can give up in order to make time to obey You.

This morning, I received an email with the above "thought for the day." You are basically telling me that I'm the one that has to decide what I want and what I'm willing to give up for it. You are also sending me a subtle message that I need to re-establish my priorities. You should be my first priority, followed by my family, and then, everything else.

I want to obey You, Jesus, I really do. I want to spread your message of love to the whole world. I have been writing a lot on my journal. I have been feeling the Holy Spirit inspiring me. But I'm still struggling with what I should give up to make more time for You. I cannot give up family time because that's already pretty limited. I cannot give up more time from my job because as it is, I'm going to the office just three times a week. I also have other commitments that I simply can't drop right now. But I can definitely organize my time better in order to dedicate one hour each day to writing. I can spend my first hour of each day meditating on your word. This will get my inspiration juices flowing.

Jesus, I know that if I really want to, I can do it. I know that if You really want me to spread your message, You will help me. I place myself at your service, Lord. I am your handmaiden.

I love You, Jesus!!!

"I'm a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world." St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

September 25, 2008

Dear Jesus:

It's been four days since I finished the Spiritual Exercises and I'm still floating. I feel so happy at your confirmation that what You want from me is to write. I'm not even afraid anymore because I know that You are in control. You will be the one that guides me and will bring my writings to the light if it is your desire. I'm not going to think about the end result, I'm only going to think about the task at hand which is to write. I am also not going to worry about my time constraints. Of course, I have responsibilities that I need to attend to: family, work and home. But I know that I will be able to handle everything with your help.

Today is the first day within my plan that I'm dedicating to You fully. I began the day by walking, praying, and meditating your word. Now, I place myself in your hands. I come to You humbly to use me as your instrument to get your message on paper. I have no plan so it's up to You to guide me. Please, send me your Holy Spirit so that your message can freely flow through me into the paper. I am just an ordinary little pencil in your hands.

I feel very unworthy for this task. I still don't understand why You chose me. You must have your reasons and I won't question them. I am humbled by your request and I promise to do my best to serve You within my limited abilities. I place all my trust in You, my Lord. I already know that I'm embarking on an adventure with You. I want to do what You ask of me. I really do want to follow You wherever You lead me. I am answering your call. Please give me the strength not to stumble and fall. Give me the wisdom to recognize when the enemy uses things or people to get on the way. Help me to gently, but firmly, push them aside. Help me to move forward, and focus on You, Jesus, so that I may do what You want me to do.

I love You, Jesus!!!

"Your words are more powerful than you might think. God can speak through you to help others grow closer to him. The more you open your life, the greater impact you can have." The Word Amongst Us Meditation 8-1-17

September 25, 2017

Dear Jesus:

It was during my first Spiritual Exercises in 2007 when You first planted the seed in my heart that You wanted me to write. I had already been writing for a while in my journal but I didn't want to share You. I wanted to hug You all to myself. You had a different plan. You wanted me to share You. You didn't want me to keep You hidden inside my heart. You wanted me to spread your light into the darkness of the world. You are the light that can help this world come out of the shadows and You didn't want me to keep that light hidden any longer.

I fought You at first because I felt so unworthy. I was just an ordinary woman without any extraordinary talents. But I was being selfish. You knew that if I accepted to be an ordinary pencil in your hands, You would turn my ordinary words into something extraordinary because they would be your words, not mine. I had no idea where the road would lead me, but all I knew was that I had to share the treasure that lived within my heart. The world is hungry for love and I am full of love because I have You. You are love and the world needs You. You needed me to be your messenger and to spread your love.

It took me a while to answer your call. I came up with every possible excuse not to do it. They seemed like good, logical reasons at the time: I don't have the time; I have other responsibilities; the idea didn't come from You, it's just a crazy idea that popped into my head, and it has nothing to do with a request from above. But You knew that I was just making excuses, and therefore You confirmed your request over and over again. Every meditation I read, every homily that I heard, every thought that popped into my mind, was pointing me in the same direction. You were clearly telling me: "Stop procrastinating and start writing."

When I returned to the Spiritual Exercises in 2008, I had written a lot but I had not shared anything. You confirmed your message to me from the previous year, but this time You took it one step further. You told me that I had to share my writings. Was I scared? Extremely. I was not scared of writing, but I was terrified of sharing it. I trusted You completely, though, and You provided the tools.

First, You inspired me to write some Lenten meditations. In 2009, I wrote and shared "48 Steps to Easter" with my Emmaus community. Then, You led me to Bible classes so I could study Your Word and I could learn more about You. You helped me create a blog, something extraordinary since I am technically obtuse. But You taught me how to do it and made something very difficult quite simple. And now, I'm sharing my blog beyond my community of faith. I am sharing it through Facebook. I have no idea how many hearts I'm touching, but the other day, I received an anonymous message in German. I had to translate it to English in order to understand it. It said: "Many thanks for the detailed description. Some good suggestions. I will share your contribution in Facebook and Google." At first, I got a little nervous that my blog could be read all over the world, but then I thought, this is God's project, not mine. You will spread it to those hearts that are ready to receive Your message. I am truly amazed by You, and what You have been able to do with such an ordinary little pencil.

Thank You for showing me what You needed from me, and Thank You for empowering me to answer your call. You seem to have multiplied my time in so many ways. I still have the same time constraints that I had ten years ago, but somehow, someway, You make the impossible possible, and my time has multiplied in ways that I can't even begin to comprehend. It's only because of You that I am able to juggle so many balls in the air.

I love being a pencil in your hands, Jesus. You are constantly surprising me. And You never cease to amaze me.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven and to my Daughter on her Birthday

"I’m happy to celebrate with you this special day when God gave you life. God watches over you and protects you; God is always by your side. His goodness and mercy will be with you all your life, and You will live forever with him. Happy Birthday."

September 24, 2007

My dear girl:

Happy 18th Birthday!!!

A month ago, you gave me a piece of paper that broke my heart. You wrote: "A lot of times, I feel like I'm a constant disappointment. I feel like I'm not the daughter that she wants me to be. I'm not Miss Social Butterfly with dozens of friends everywhere..." I felt really bad because I felt like maybe I was trying to push you into being someone that you could not be.

Sometimes, you look like a little lost sheep that has lost her way. You struggle so much for approval, for support, and for acceptance. I suffer when I see you being excluded from parties and activities because I sense that you suffer too. But as you have matured, I feel like you have come to accept that not everyone is going to invite you to everything.

You do much better in small groups. You don't need to have dozens of friends. As long as you have one good friend that stands by your side, that cares for you, then you are luckier than most. And you have a few of those friends. You have "true" friends that like you and accept you for who you are.

Many times, you prefer to stay at home rather than go out. That's perfectly fine. Each person enjoys life in a different way. You cannot enjoy life by doing what everyone else is doing. The things you enjoy doing may be totally different from the things other girls enjoy doing because you are all completely different individuals.

A few days ago, you went on your Senior Encounter, and you asked me to pray. I was starting my Spiritual Exercises so I offered my three days of silence for the success of the encounter, for you and the team, and for the retreatants. The Good Shepherd loves you and He knows your name. When you are lost, He finds you and He brings you back home. God is using you as His instrument to get His message across. I know that by bearing your soul, and sharing your testimony, you have touched the hearts of your classmates.

I love you, Chabi, and I am very proud of the young woman that you are becoming. Today, on your 18th birthday, I want you to know that you are not a disappointment. In my eyes, you are perfect. You are my perfect daughter.

I love you with all my heart!!! Happy 18th Birthday!!!

September 24, 2011

Dear Mama Mary:

Today is your feast day. Today, we celebrate, Our Lady of Mercy.

Twenty-two years ago, at 7 am, I had a baby girl. I named her Isabel Cristina, but we have always called her Chabeli. Thank You for the gift of my beautiful daughter who was born on such special day. It's impossible to express in words how much joy she has brought into our lives.
 

"Blessed Mother, I commend my daughter Chabeli to You.

I cannot be at her side at all times yet I trust you are.

Please guide her in all her decisions.

Listen to all her difficulties and protect her from all evil.

You are the most perfect Mother and example to all women,

Help me to be gentle and loving with my daughter.

Grant us both health, wisdom, peace and hope;

I pray to You in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen!" 

  

Our Lady of Lourdes Academy

Mother-Daughter Mass

October 8th, 2006

 
Thank You, Mama Mary, for always guiding my little girl in the right direction. Please protect her from any harm, keep her safe always, and allow her to always be happy.

I love You, Mama Mary!!!

September 24, 2017

My dear Chabeli:

Happy 28th Birthday!!!

I love you, Chabi, and I am so proud of the young woman that you have become. You will always be my little girl, my only daughter. I was so happy when I found out that I was pregnant for the second time. I didn't think about the fact that between you and your brother there would be just twelve months apart, and that it was going to be hard. I was thrilled because I wanted four children and I was half way there.

Chabeli, you have always been my rock in the midst of the storm. You didn't get sick too often as a baby, just the occasional cold or ear infection. You were content sucking your thumb. You were lazy, lazy, lazy. You did not like to walk. It took you fifteen months to walk on your own, and even when you could walk, you still wanted to be carried or to sit in a stroller.

You have turned out to be a magnificent young lady. You have blossomed into the most beautiful butterfly. You are unique and very special. You have accomplished so much in your young life. Aside from all the accolades of graduating from college Summa Cum Laude, getting both your CPA and your MBA by the time you were just 24 years old, and landing an amazing job at Deloitte, you have a sense of maturity and responsibility that goes far beyond your years.

I want you to know that you have come a long way from the lost sheep of your teenage years. You are so confident and so sure of yourself. You are an amazing young woman, both inside and out. You are a great daughter, granddaughter, sister and friend. You are responsible and independent. I could not be prouder of YOU. In my eyes, you are my perfect daughter.

Happy 28th Birthday, Chabi!!! I love you with all my heart!!!