Rachel Paredes

I never really got to know mommy that well. I mainly saw her

every now and then when I came to her house to hang out with

John and his friends. Not too long ago, however, I got to spend

a little more time with her. I remember one-day mommy, John

and I went to dinner at LolliCup. I can remember how John and

his mommy were talking. I could tell they were very close. Over

dinner, we all talked and I could tell

Ms. Hsuan was a really nice person. The next day we had dinner

again at their house. Mommy cooked us rice and dumplings.

Afterwards, we went to Sam's. John and his mom were so cute. I

had fun and felt like I was a part of the family when I was with

them. Every time I looked at mommy she had a smile on her

face. The way she looked at John....you could just see how

much she cared and loved him. I knew she was a good mother

and enjoyed spending time with her Hou-Wei.

When John called me after he found mommy passed out, I

was surprised. I couldn't believe it. She was taken to the hospital

and all we received was bad news. The following days were

extremely hard and emotionally draining. So many people came

to visit mommy at the hospital. Everyone loved her. Anytime

someone mentioned her name, only good words came out of

their mouths. I always heard how she was so devoted to Jesus

and how she sacrifices so much for others. She helped so many

people and was completely unselfish.

I wish I could have spent more time with mommy. And get to

know her better. Still, I will always cherish the few times that I did

spend with her. I still feel that I got to know her at the time. I can

see how much she touched everyone's hearts, including mine.

Now that she is in heaven I just want her to be at peace and

know that everyone here will be okay. I think what I will

remember most is her heart and her big smile, just like an angel.