To my sister, Vanessa.

My sister Vanessa, a mother, wife, nurse, student, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend, role model, and joy to this world unexpectedly passed away on October 30th, 2023, 4 days after giving birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy. She was only 34 years old, and her passing has left a gap in so many hearts.

My dear sister Vanessa,

you always called me your first daughter and you are my second mom. I know being the oldest daughter was not easy, yet you led with grace, poise, and peace. You took me everywhere with you, making people believe that I was your daughter. I never remember you being upset with me, and if you ever were, I know you felt guilty afterward. You cried for me when I was hurt like you felt my pain just as much as I did. You cried on Facetime because you couldn’t be at my prom, almost making me cry as well. As I matured, I slowly realized how similar we were and you saw that all along. We are both sensitive, poetic, creative, silly, kind, sweet, adventurous, ambitious, and passionate. Your passion for children was always present. You were a camp leader, youth leader, intern for kids with special needs, and a magnet to any child around. Your love shined the brightest in your daughter Eva. Oh, she is just like you. She is outgoing, the life of the party, smart, and so so funny. Eva always says “Mommy is my best friend, I love her so much.” I’ll never forget when you decorated the house for her birthday, feeling so bad because you had to work. You told me to record her reaction, and Eva jumped and screamed for joy, saying ‘My mom did it? I'm going to call Mommy and tell her thank you.” As I write this holding back tears, with Eva on my side, I worry how your shoes could ever be filled. Yet, I promise to help show her the life that you dreamed for her to the best of my abilities.

My sweet Eva, I’m so sorry. Oh, how mommy loved you and lived for you. Everything she did was for you. Every decision she made, she had you in mind, whether it made sense or not. She would and did anything to make you happy despite whatever she was going through. I know you cherish all the Starbucks and Target runs, stops at Barnes and Noble, and cooking breakfast at home. I know you will miss Mommy more than most of us will ever be able to comprehend. But Eva, the amount of support you have is everlasting, and Auntie Titi is always here for you.

Baby boy Ethan, sweet sweet Ethan. You are barely a week old. Yet your mom already was in love with you. She already added you to her lock screen with Eva and made sure I sent her any picture I took of you. Your mom said, “Vanessa has a Boy!?!?, a Boy!” She was so excited. You will grow up not knowing who she is personally, yet we will shower you with stories of your amazing mother. I know she wants the absolute best for you, and you will get it by any means necessary.

This GoFundMe serves as a promise to my sister and her children. All funds will be specifically and 100% utilized to give the children the life they deserve such as quality education, their well-being, and extracurricular activities. All donations are sincerely appreciated, and not taken for granted. If you cannot donate, please know that your prayers, thoughts, and condolences mean just as much! Thank you, may God bless you and keep you.