In Memoriam

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Bernie

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Ben's dad

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Grandma

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Alicia's grandma Grandma, As much as I hoped you would see me in my wedding dress one day, I know that you are looking down on us absolutely elated that I have found the one person for me in Ben. Everything that I do is shaped by the notion of making my family proud and leaving the world a better place than it was when we entered it. Your love of animals was always something that inspired and touched me. You taught me how possible it is to give myself fully to caring for others, even if it means sacrificing a small part of my own comfort. Now living with my own personal zoo-- a leopard gecko and three dogs weighing in at 55-145 pounds each is no small feat-- I understand better than ever the love and compassion you had for your own animals.

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Nana + Papa

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Alicia's grandparents

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Tatay + Nanay

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Ben's grandparents

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Lolo + Lola

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Ben's grandparents

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Aunt Sandi

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Alicia's aunt

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Alexandra

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Alicia's best friend

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Angelina

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Alicia's second big sister Angelina, You and your mom were always my first and closest instance of chosen family. You were my sister from another mister, and so much more. You and your mom taught me that family is the people who love and cherish each of us exactly as we are from day to day. Even during the hardest times when I felt that I wasn't able to come as I was, you were always the one who loved and accepted me exactly where I was. I love you as my own sister because that's exactly what we are: family. Your joy in the face of life's toughest battles taught me so much about fighting through the pain that life can throw our way to still have light and happiness within us. Some of my darkest times were lifted by your incredible smile and laugh. Although you couldn't speak, we had such a meaningful way of communicating with one another that has carried me through all of my relationships in life. You taught me so much about the patience needed to communicate effectively with the world around me. You taught me that the most meaningful connections begin when I give them the time and patience to respond and grow. We bonded over our shared love of animals, our senses of humor, and our love of making everyone smile. Our time together taught me how to embrace and love those parts of myself and look for them in others. You truly were the angel that came into our lives to change everything about how we view ourselves and the world around us. The lessons I've learned from our relationship are invaluable and I have so much to thank you for in shaping me into the woman I am becoming. I am so grateful that you're looking down on me and sending me so much love, guidance, and protection whenever I need it the most. I love you, sis.