I grew up with Cristina. I have lots of childhood memories where Cristina and Diego are part of them. I remember running around the fire house and camping. I always thought Diego was the funniest guy around and I loved when he sang Amazing Grace. They have been a constant in my life. They both have amazing hearts and personalities that make you feel at ease from the moment you meet them.
When the nurses asked us what funeral home we wanted called, I said Camacho's without hesitation. It is not something I had thought I would ever have to do but knowing that Cristina was on her way made the stress a little more bearable. Not only does Cristina have a compassionate heart and is amazing at her job, she knows what it is like to lose a piece of your heart. Cristina has three angels in Heaven- Hazel, Greta and Oliver. She has been in my shoes and has felt the utter darkness knowing your baby is no longer with you. I could see it in her eyes as she entered the hospital room. She was trying so hard to be strong and help us but I know her heart was breaking. She sat with us and was so patient as we put together an obituary. After we were done, I couldn't let him go. I needed more time...more kisses...just more of everything. Letting him go meant that this was real and I couldn't pretend anymore. I just wasn't ready. Cristina left, giving us precious time. She came back later that night. The fact that she took time away from her beautiful family to give us what we needed is a testament to how loving she is. When she came back, she brought a car seat. Bill placed our son in the car seat and she lovingly strapped him in. What a vision to see my precious boy in a car seat knowing he would never ride in one again. Although it was hard to let him go that night, I felt comfort in knowing that he was with Cristina. She even updated us frequently and told us that her and Diego were with him. She told me that Diego even told Holden that his name should have been Diego. A much needed laugh amidst so much sadness. The service was beautiful and beyond what I could have imagined. My beautiful boy lay in a Moses basket with a bouquet of blue and white balloons behind him. Such a perfect vision for a perfect little boy. Cristina's constant concern for our well being and her careful, loving care of my precious boy will forever be dear to my heart.
Kathy, mother of two angels. Kathy knows all too well the pain I have felt and will feel for years to come. Kathy reached out to me and offered her shoulder to cry on. When I spoke to her it was as if she was the narrator of my heart. Everything I felt, everything I said was validated as normal by her. I felt like she was reliving her pain as she listened to me talk about mine. She was the first one at Holden's wake, earlier than anyone else as she could not bear to see anyone that day. I felt honored that she faced her own pain by coming and seeing my baby boy. I know how hard that must have been and I will never be able to thank her enough for her support and kind words.
Judi. Beautiful soul with beautiful talent. Judi has captured my family since Harper was a baby. She has seen the chaos and yet captures the peace. I was so looking forward for Holden's newborn pics. We had been talking back and forth about props and my heart was so excited. When we had Lydon's newborn pics done, he decided he would rather nurse nonstop and it took almost 3 hours to get them done. Not once did Judi become frustrated. She was so patient as she always is with my crazy crew. I knew that when our next family pics where going to be done after we lost Holden, it was going to be hard. Having Judi on the other side of the camera allowed us to be real to our emotions because she is like family. I bet Holden would have loved her and all her goofy noises she makes while taking pics. I can only imagine how gorgeous his newborn pics would have been. Only imagine is all I have now. Judi holds a very special place in my heart.
Just a few amazing souls among so many for which we are blessed to know. I can never express enough our deep gratitude for the support and love that has surrounded us the last 3.5 months. Truly blessed!
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