Angel Christmas Tree - In Memory.

In memory of precious Gabbie, the family decided on an "all angel" Christmas tree this year. Nurse Michele had given us two Angel ornaments at Gabbie's Celebration of Life in October - they adorned the tree, as well. Gabbie is with us.

Christmas - Early.

Due to Angelina going to visit her mother in New Mexico for Christmas, our family had Christmas a week early. Angelina being herself, as usual!

Angelina.

Angelina and daddy watch the rest of the school kids perform at the Christmas program.

Angelina Pics - Christmas School Program

Angelina now plays the Viola. This was her first performance - The Little Drummer Boy. Of course, she had a speaking part too! (the music teacher told her that she is their best little actor - am I not surprised?!)

Angelina Mercedes Mayo

Angelina-the first born granddaughter (#1 - I now call her!) is of Mexican descent on her mother, Sandra's side.

Full of high spiritedness, strong willed and strong minded. Outspoken, sometimes talking too much, but always giving you her heart. She is strong in body with a somewhat "stocky" build which most times works to her advantage. Most boys know not to mess with her! Although she is a first degree martial artist, she sometimes lets down that toughness, to show her more gentler side. She shows vulnerableness due to her father being in the Military - feeling abandoned when someone she loves goes away - even a week. It is very hard on her when her father is deployed for months at a time, as she is very attached to him-looking to him for love and support. She shows patience and kindness to younger children and babies and loves animals too. Although she tries to be strong, her baby sister - Gabriella's passing, two months ago, has really made an impact on her. She is still trying to sort through all the variety of feelings from this trauma in her life. She has known God from an early age and has committed her life to Jesus, following his command to be baptized in water, a couple of years ago. As a pre-teen, she still has those days of "rebellion and disrespect" but one thing is different. She always asks forgiveness if she offends and is quick to say "I'm sorry". I am reminded that no one is perfect. I know this is God working in her life. This year for Christmas, she asked for a "purity" ring, a sign of commitment to God that some of the teens are wearing these days. Please keep her in your prayers. I trust God to show her what His Will is for her life.

Christmas 2008

Although this Christmas 2008 was bittersweet due to beauiful Gabbie only being with me in spirit, my celebration with Angelina and my visit in Wisconsin with Maura was lots of fun. Sadly, I have not been able to see or talk with Lila for about 6 months now. Although presents were sent and I know she received them, it would still be wonderful to keep in more frequent contact with her. I pray that this new year 2009 brings all of my family closer together, as family is all there really is, in the real scope of things. I am reminded that all that truly remains is love when all is said and done. My precious Gabbie's journey to this earth brought to us a very simple, yet most important message: give more of yourself, love more. It is so simple, as we know that whatever manner you give (whether it be money or service or love) that this is the manner in which it will be returned to you. So I have determined this new year to re-discover my compassion (that I remember having in times past) and going out of my way to love more, give more, in whatever way that I am possibly able. This, after all, is our reason for existence. So having said all this, I want to share my love with you-whoever of you chooses to follow this simple blog of a grandmother's love. Peace, joy, love and kindness follow you throughout this new year, 2009, and always. Jean

4 MY GRANDDAUGHTERS

I have been blessed with four beautiful girls in my life, there is nothing greater. I hope that they somehow view me as their "guardian angel" of sorts, as I know that this is my purpose in this life and beyond. Even though my precious Gabriella recently passed October 12, 2008 at the age of 9 months due to multiple defect complications, she is still my granddaughter, an angel who continues to whisper in my ear daily. I will still think of her, write about her, love her, learn from her. A foundation is being started in her name "Gabriella's Miracle" and as more is known, more information will be given. For now, my love, to my heart - my precious granddaughters.