It's easy to think of a family as one in which the primary bread winner is the father, and it was the mother who cared for the children. But that observation stops there in ours. What was so special about the Garcias?
Actually, a good family is much more. For one thing, it's a reflection of the commitment of it's members who strive daily to be involved with each other and others around them.
So I'd like to take this moment to praise the incredible woman who managed to do it all for over 5� years, from when we moved in together in July 1999 through last month. Think of that! There aren't many marriages that last through the 3rd year. And yet she pulled it off - commitment to work, life, community, and family above all.
It was my privilege to have known Amber for the last 8 years. I met her March 22nd, 1997 in Florida when her mother, sister, and she were visiting with a mutual friend of ours. And I'd have to say that Amber was one of those people whose long-term impact on the people around her was incalculable and indescribable.
I know because one of those was me. She continues to influence my life today.
She never knew failure that she couldn't spin as a learning experience. She never settled for anything less than the moon and stars (and I was willing to do whatever it took to get them for her). Her folks, both natural parents and step-parents called her `ambitious`. And she never believed for a moment that she could not accomplish anything worthwhile she set her heart and mind on doing and doing it well.
And now take this personal impact on me, and multiply it out over the hundreds -- nay, thousands -- of family and friends and co-workers whose hearts and lives she touched, and you'll have some idea of the truly fabulous woman behind it all.