In Memory of Teresa Peña

With a broken heart I'm sad to write that on July 8th, I lost my best friend and mom so suddenly to COVID-19. Her sudden departure leaves us all devastated and heartbroken so early in our lives. She was 57 with a big heart, a kind soul and an energy that could light up any room. For a single mom dreaming of having her own kid, she put her heart, soul, love, and confidence in me that helped me discover my passion in life and helped to make me the man that I am today. Being a strong independent woman who put her son, her family, and her friends first, left myself and everyone who met her with some of the best memories anyone could hope to have. With an infectious laugh, a golden smile, and a heart so big, she lived a life filled with many accomplishments, close friends, and a real dedication to her work helping others. For
40 years she has dedicated her life working at Banner and doing what she loved the most, helping others in need. She inspired me to remain dedicated in my goals and dreams and was one of the most loyal people you could ever hope to meet. Unfortunately due to the carelessness of Arizona's leadership in response to this pandemic, I have lost my mom so early on in my life. She was meant to live a long and happy life, seeing her only son graduate from university, being front seat cheering me on at my wedding, and being a grandmother to my future children. We had so much more to accomplish in our lives that I and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her have been robbed of those memories together. She was: a mom, a dad, a daughter, a sister, a friend, but most importantly, a badass.

I love you mom, while you may not be here with me, I know you will always be watching over me from above.