When I got here it was raining. It hasn't stopped pouring on me since. Three people I knew have passed away between yesterday and Christmas.

The first was Carol Fischer, a librarian who was always there to help me research Mountain View history and encouraged me in whatever I was working on. She had two sons the age of my brother and I. We always talked about college and she always wanted to know how I was doing. She shared my passion for the city and its history. She always had a smile on her face, she was a kind heart. She passed away unexpectedly a few days after Christmas....from a seizure while at the movies with her family. In an instant...gone like that. It was a shock. I'll miss her a lot.

The next was my great aunt, my Tia Nene. She was a beautiful woman full of love and kindness. A great lady, the last of her generation in my family. She moved to Washington when I was a young teenager, but she always had a place in my heart. She was the type of relative that would pinch your cheeks with a great big smile. She made you feel loved. I wish I could have spent more time with her, but I'm glad I saw her as much as I did when I was younger.

And yesterday, my 7th & 8th grade teacher, Mrs. Judy Capaldo passed away after a battle with Leukemia. She was a great teacher, a very intelligent woman full of wit and humor. She always treated us with respect and kindness. I'll always remember her willingness to help me out, even after I graduated. I also remember her beautiful voice, and how she used to go up in front of the entire school and sing a rendition of the Hail Mary that I always enjoyed. It's hard to believe she's gone.

I wish I could have been there today at her funeral and rosary, to be there with my brother her other students. I wish I had a chance to see Mrs. Capaldo again and let her know how much I appreciated her, we didn't get her address in time to send her a card before she passed away. I wish I had a chance to see each of these people again and thank them. But all I can do is remember them, and remember to cherish and be thankfull for the people I have in my life while I still have them.

And if you were
With me tonight
I'd sing to you just
One more time
A song for a heart so big
God wouldn't let it live
May angels lead you in
Hear you me my friends
On sleepless roads
The sleepless go
May angels lead you in