Dear Dad and Mom,

Happy 60th and 61st birthday! So, these past few months have not been the easiest. Losing Ethan has had a different effect on you as parents than us siblings. You guys spent the most time with him, by going on vacation with each other to visiting him almost every weekend when he was in his in-patient program in South Jersey. You’ve experienced all his emotions the happy to the sad to the angry to the excited to the amused. Out of everyone in this world, you knew Ethan and spent the time with him like no one else. I don’t know how it is to lose a child, but I know how it is to lose a brother… and it is a rollercoaster of emotions. But as parents who lost their child, you guys have been grieving well.

As I seen you guys throughout these past months, you have this strength and admiring hope. Not saying that everyday is easy but what is evident is that you are doing better than what “grieving parents” are “expected” to “act “and “look”. I truly believe that is because you valued your time with Ethan and your faith in God is so strong! Some days are harder than others, I know, but Dad and Mom you’re doing great!

I know, or I probably assume raising four kids with all different personalities, emotions, likes, and dislikes had its ups and downs. I remember those times when I would be the “trouble”, always fighting with Jeriel during our road trips, or having a bad attitude at Disney World (yes, bad moods happen at Disney World people) yet you did not leave me on the side of the road and always made sure I was still by your side and not lost in the crowd even after a teenager tantrum (thanks for keeping me lol). I’m sure I can speak for the rest of us and say thank you for being and still being great parents. Additionally, great in-laws, great grandparents, a great brother, a great sister, a great Tito, a great Tita, and a great friend. You are loved by a lot of people. Thank you for being our parents and never turning your back on us when we would stress you out or drive you nuts for just being kids, to just being teenagers, to just being “know it all” young adults. As this family grows, all will be routed back to how you raised us. So happy birthday Dad and Mom, please enjoy it! Love one another always.

Love,

Thania