Trinidad, who is also a Marine, started his “death sentence” with the county at the same time as me. We both thought we had escaped all the politics that we dealt with in the Marine Corps but quickly discovered the county was 10 times worse. At that point, we were committed and just held on for the ride. Almost 9 years later, we still have each other’s back. I can count on him, whether work related or not, & he can count on me.

In 2020, I had the privilege of having Roy as my direct supervisor. Since then, we have developed a close friendship in and out of work. Regardless of the time of day, Roy has always been there to listen, give advice, & provide support. Roy has always been a strong role model who I look up to and who holds me accountable for my own actions whether I like it or not.

Joshua is not only a fellow Marine, he’s a colleague and a friend. We can relate to each other on a work basis but most importantly when it comes to family. Joshua has family values that I strive to immolate and that I respect as a man. Joshua is a loyal friend and his positive attitude have helped me and motivated me when I needed it the most.

Eric is like a brother to me, not only because I’m going to marry his sister. Since the first day I met him, he made me feel welcome and part of the family. I can relate to Eric because of his strong work ethic, his desire to do better for him & his daughter, but most importantly for the love that he has for his daughter Athena. I know that if me and my family ever needed anything, I could count on him.

Ricardo, who we refer to as Junior is like a little brother in more ways than one. I’m marrying his sister and he’s also a Marine. He welcomed me and made me feel like family since day one. We can reminisce on our Marine days and tell stories about the past. Junior is always in a good mood & always willing to help. Minus costing me money on fishing gear, he’s a good fishing buddy to have.

Dante and I served together in the Marine Corps and went to combat together; we have shared some of the happiest and darkest day of our lives. Even though we’re not blood, he’s someone I consider a brother for years now. We may not talk to each other everyday or talk often but I know that I can count on him just like he can count on me.

My little twin and favorite broke best friend! My pride and joy. The one who I am blessed to call my son. My son is my constant motivation to keep improving and fight for better days during the bad days. He puts a smile on my face regardless of how bad of day I had at work. The little guy thinks he needs me but it’s really the other way around, I need him!

My first born and one of my favorite best "broke" friends. I can't even describe how much she changed my life for the better. Being a teenage mother was truly a blessing in disguise. She has been one of my best motivator, supporter, and back bone in some of the toughest moments of my life. Her and her sister are the true definition of loving someone to the moon and back. I am blessed to be her mom and I cannot imagine my special day without her by my side.

My "baby" girl and my other best "broke" friend. The one that temporarily gave me grey hairs, (LOL) but also taught me how to stay positive and move forward through some of the toughest moments in my life. It has always been the 3 of us, we grew up together and have had each other's back. There is nothing I would not do for her and her sister. Like I said before, her and her sister are the true definition of loving someone to the moon and back. I am blessed to be her mother and I cannot imagine my special day without her by my side.

Adriana and I are so much alike in more ways than one, even the first time we met we were dressed alike & people thought we were sisters. Since then, we have been inseparable & each other’s support system. As single mother’s, we faced many of the same challenges together but I knew I could count on her just like she could count on me! I was her maid of honor for her wedding (but unfortunately, I was not able to make it because COVID tried taking me out but did not succeed) & I can’t imagine my special day without my bestie next to me too.

My sister, who has always been there for me and my daughters. I know that I can count on her for whatever I need and she would be there. She loves and has always treated my daughters as her own. Just like sisters, we have had our ups and downs but if there is not a time where you are disagreeing or arguing with a sibling, then are they really your sibling? No matter what, we will always be there for each other and support each other. I am blessed to have her as my sister and also cannot imagine my special day without her by my side.

One of my favorite cousin-in-laws. She may not be blood but she is family. Lorena is someone that I look up to, in more ways than one. She has always been a supporter and motivator who has always wanted the best for me and my daughters. I love seeing her and my cousin William dance, I think they dance so well and I pray that my marriage is blessed just like theirs. She does not know how much I appreciate all her kind gestures throughout the years and how she has been a positive influence in my life.

One of my other favorite cousin-in-laws and a wanderlust just like me. Even though she has recently been traveling more than me and does not take me with her, I still love her. Gloria may not be blood but she is also family. She has also been a positive influence for me and someone that I look up to when it comes to marriage and family. I pray God blesses our marriage and our family just like he has blessed theirs.

Perla, who I in a loving way refer to as my "Bia Bia", has been a part of my life for over 20 years now. I met her when we worked together at an attorney's office. We have been through so much together and she has been one of my biggest supporters and encourager. Not only that, she has been one of my favorite travel buddies. We have laughed, cried, and prayed together. She has always made me feel like family and she has always been family to me.

My cousin Lucy! God made us cousins because he knew our mothers could not handle us as siblings. LOL. Everyone has that one crazy cousin in the family, she is mine and I am sure I am hers! I can always count on her for a good laugh and a good time. We may not get to see each other often but I know she is someone I can count on just like she can count on me too.

For the longest time it was only my 2 daughters the "babies" of our immediate family. Then in 2022, we were blessed with my niece Athena. I jokingly refer to her as "cry baby" because she sure is a "daddy's girl" but we love this little girl (even Lil'Chris defends her and tells me not to call her that). Hopefully she will be able to walk down the aisle throwing the flower petals without crying and wanting her daddy. LOL.

My oldest niece and one of Lil’Chris’ closest cousin and good friend. She’s brought lots of smiles and laughs to our family since she was born. She’s always smiling and loves to be playful. We are excited to have her be part of our wedding and hopefully our niece Athena can follow her lead. Lol.