Paint the worlds smile...

Dear Hippo/Girl/Sisto/Jojo/Gary/Wacho/Rach,

No matter how many hours, minuets, or worlds away we may be, we are inseparable in the heart. Since (almost literally) after I was popped out of mama you were right by my side. And, you have stayed there all along. Through the hard, head-aching, sorrowful times in our life, you have been there with open shoulders for me to cry on, as every once in a blue moon you wept on mine, too. We have always been such opposites yet "twinzies" at the same time! You being the strong, cold hearted (when it comes to love stories), school smart, more calm, wise, and collective kid. While "I", on the other hand, was that screaming baby the neighbors heard from across the street, so emotional, school hating, dancing, little sister that you had to deal with distracting you from your homework and/or chores. But, I think those are the things that make us the perfect sisters! You put me back on track when I am just too wild, and I bring a little more adventure in you when you are just too focused on what you are supposed to be doing. You know the words that I am going to say before I even think of them! You understand just by one look, or expression on my face, what I would say to you when we cannot say a word. One or two words is enough for us to burst out laughing about who knows what, no matter where the place or state of mind/emotion we are in. I do not think God can possibly bring me to find another person that will understand, help, love, and enjoy me and my stupidness as much as you do (as I love them the same for you). I do not think I tell you thanks enough. I have no idea where I would be if it was not for you. You keep me sane girl! (That is sane enough at least). You truly inspire me in so many ways. One of the ways is for me to be a good student, another is to stay focused and dedicated to God and his love for people, to be more patients and forgiving with all, and so much more. *Old classy singing voice*, "You are my inspiration... Raquel!" Look, I changed it up for you, darling. ...Wow, those 15 years flew by did they not? It felt like only yesterday all 6 of us were living at home playing football, baseball, the colored game, and all the other games we would make up in the backyard until the sun went down in the summer time. Now look at us all: mom and dad separated, now with their own new partners, Mateo has been out in Columbus for the longest on his own, now Jay moved away and married, you away at college, and me living here alone with ma. We are lucky if us all kids get together at the same time with mom or dad more than once or twice a year. Funny how life plays out, but it all happens for the best. We are blessed to be so close in relationship to one another; I love you all so, so dearly. You know I would do anything for you guys, as you would do the same for me. Even if we are far away from each other you will always be my best friend, sister. You do not worry about me, now. I have got enough worrying from everyone all my life. Just you keep being the little Gary you are today. So, even if I am not there to distract you, or make you burst into random unicorn laughter; even when I am not there to understand your jokes, discuss everything and anything (that always ends up going back to handsome men somehow) or for you to let out your anger and comments about people, you know exactly what I would say or anyways. I would do the most random, dumb things, I would jump on your bed in front of your homework and talk about how beautiful Thor is, I would agree and comment back on the stupid things you have to go through and try to make you happy again, and I would laugh along with you on the ridiculous things/people we see and probably take a pictures of them. So do not cry, you always knew how to be the stronger one anyways. Do not get down or lose hope in yourself or others, everyone makes mistakes, but it is because of forgiveness we are the happy people we are today. Continue your walk with God, even when you feel helpless and alone, he will provide your peace, joy, love and needs. (Joshua 1:9): Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you where ever you go. Proceed in you love and skill of art. Paint the mountains of Greenland, draw the rivers and seas. Travel from England to Africa to Asia and round to more again. Inspire people to be their best like you did for me. Use your gifts to benefit others and please yourself at the same time. Raise your children to be just as amazing and talented as you. Love your husband through not just "good" and "bad" but from hell and back. Laugh when you want to cry, and cry after laughing so much. Count your blessings; they are worth so much more then the curses. Never forget the memories, but do not let them stop you from all you can have in the future... You may not know all the answers, but that does not make you dumb, it makes you human. So, live your life as if nothing could stop you for a second. I know what you are capable of, and it is incredibly amazing. You do not understand the imprint you made in my heart, and continuously make in every one you meets heart. You are beautiful, prettier than any other I have seen because I have watched it grow from the inside out. I love you, and not any moment has gotten me to question if I do not. You are the best, my favorite sister of them all (and the fact that you are my only makes no difference so.. do not mention those silly things). You, Rachel Alicia Silva, have started painting the best picture, your life every step of the way. Do not stop now; do not stop until the master peace is finished. And, when it is, look back on it and smile because (like a smart shell named Marcel says) you smile because it is worth it. So keep on smiling Sisto... I wuvvvv youuuu. And always will. Forever and Always, I promise, I will... <3
~Bean/Best Little Sister in the World

Heros without Tights...

       

There are billions of people on this planet. Billions of people have pasted and billion are to come. Each and every one of us make an impact in the world whether one knows it or not. Not just one person has impacted me, but instead I have learned from or desire something in a little bit of everyone. The 5 main people that have helped shape, shift, or make me to be the young lady I am today are my brothers, sister, and parents. I am thankful for their presence in my life every day, no matter how much of a distance away we might be from each other at times.

I treasure family so much. For I have grown up in a puertorican household, I have more family members then I can count. Although, I may not know them all or be super close in a relationship with them I know that they love and care for me as I do right back for them. I have to say the ones that have made and continue to make a huge impact on my life would be my core family. Like my siblings for example, my oldest brother Mateo, has always been my protector. I have always known that if anyone tried to hurt me he would be there to "fix the problem" even when not asked to. I know the events he has gone through has made him one strong cookie, but never once have I had to question his love for me, he would do anything for "his baby girl." Jeremy, the 2nd oldest, on the other hand is such a goof. He has always been so silly, easy going, loving, and a great helper. Jere (Spanish nickname that sounds like: hed-eh) is my teddy bear. He looks big but really he has a heart of a sweet 5-year old boy; does not always say much but has such sincere love and care always. Now my sister, Rachel, will probably always be the one I look up to the most. She is my best friend, councilor, shoulders, and role model. We are only 3 years apart so though the best and worst roads in life she was and still is here for me lean on when hurt, lost, confused, bored, happy, or plain crazy! I look up to her because it seems she always does things the right way when I was not always as fortunate in the choices I made. She is beautiful from the inside out and I hope that I can be all the help as she is to me. 

My siblings are absolutely wonderful and we are all very close to one another. Many people wonder how in the world we manage to be so peaceful and loving to each other. I say it just goes to show how much we really need each other; our parents did a great job showing us that. Parents are one of the most impacting people in a child's lifetime. Whether it for the good or bad, they will have a huge part on the outpouring of the kids life. My parents definitely are the reason I am the way I am in many ways. Though every moment for us may not have worked out the best, I know I love them dearly and am thankful for the positive things they have passed down to me in their parenting. My dad has not always made the best choices and has not always necessarily been here in my life but, I know now that he loves me incredibly and would do anything to make sure I was well and happy now. My dad is such a giver. He will put someone else before himself in an instant to have that person pleased without saying a word or expecting something in return. Now he is here for me and my siblings and will stop at nothing to give us what we need, even if it is just some time, laughter, love and support. Mother, oh Mother, she is one special little lady. Raising 4 wild children can be a heck of some work but she has not and will never give up on us. She has gone through a mess after a mess all her life, yet she still finds room to thank God for all the wonderful things He has blessed her with. Like she says, even if she had to go throughout all the hurts and mistakes just for 4 reasons she would....  for us, her 4 kids, her 4 blessings. She is the strongest women I know, taking a job made for 2 and making the most of it. She knows how to run a household keeping it clean and in tack, that is for sure. I cannot thank her enough for the sacrifices she has made for us and continues to make. There is no denying that I love my family, my heroes.

      Heroes are not perfect; they are just leaders choosing to make the right choices that at times are scary to take. So thank you, I love you, and I will... Forever and Always...<3