Dear Riley,

Happy 15th Birthday! Each year that passes is another we have not shared with you here on this Earth. Recently the doctor I am working with and I had a conversation about you. He was talking to me about how babies like you do not usually make it long enough to spend any time with their families who love them dearly. I told him about a strong, beautiful girl I had the privilege of being the sister of so many years ago, You. I told him how though we only got two precious days with you, we would never trade them for anything. I told him how happy we were to hold you in our arms if even for a short time. A bittersweet memory. Happy we met you, sad you had to go, but also thankful you did not suffer and instead live in a Paradise we here can only imagine.

That doctor and I recently delivered a baby that may not live much longer. We talked about how even when all the right decisions are made, sometimes things happen with no reason why, but yet somehow still fit into God's great plan. I still don't know why God needed you up there with him and I may never know. Maybe that is okay, maybe it's for us to figure out on our own. I trust His judgment, though difficult to deal with sometimes. Our beautiful angel.

As another Christmas nears, I not only celebrate the birth of Jesus but yours as well. It is definitely a day to celebrate, our true miracle. I will never forget. As long as I live, I will keep your memory alive. Happy birthday my precious Riley.
Your Loving Sister,
Raquel



In memory of Riley Elizabeth Garcia, December 20 1994 - December 22 1994