The Ballad of Rico & Mabel

My wife - my "Beautiful Babe" - passed away in July 2025. And since that day, my world has come to a complete stop.

My life, my world feels incomplete and unfinished. Like a snap of a camera, our home has become a photograph - there's no movement, no laughter, no sounds, no life. Our home, once bright and warm, is now dark and cold. Yes, I know. She will live in my heart and memory, and there she will stay.

My reason for doing a GoFundMe, something I've never done before, is that I would love to create a memorial for my wife, as well as for myself, when my time comes to join her and be beside her once again. A place where our story can continue, and once again we can be complete, and never alone again. This monument will merit warrant because it will carry her legacy forward so that she will never be forgotten.

Mabel's beauty was obvious. She drew others to her. But, unless you had known her, you would know that she never once considered her attractiveness but was more focused on helping others. She once said to me, "Baby, you know, I think I was put here to help others." And she did, she gave herself to help others in any way that she could. She was loving, caring, giving, and generous in ways that didn't require thought or hesitation. And that was where her beauty was. Her spirit is such a beautiful spirit.

Mabel worked very hard to achieve her goals, whatever they may have been. During her high school years, she earned recognition and acknowledgments by receiving plaques, awards, and eventually a diploma. She went on to achieve her goals by obtaining her college degrees. Education was something she took very seriously and didn't hesitate to share her knowledge and wisdom with others with hopes of being a positive influence on them in their quest to reach their own goals. Her hard work didn't end after completing her education. She carried that same mindset into her business life where she worked hard and stayed dedicated to performing her daily duties. She received certificates, awards, and bonuses recognizing her for the dedication, hard work, participation, and loyalty that she gave to the company.

Mabel was extremely excited about the fact that, after all the hard work she put in, and at a young age, she was able to reach her goal of becoming a successful engineer and to work in the field of Aerospace. She wasn't one to brag or boast, that wasn't who she was. But, I didn't mind doing the boasting for her. Not in a vanity way. But in the way of letting others know that all of her hard work paid off. I will continue to share her story with others in hopes that I can have her beautiful legacy continue. And, if God will allow, she will look down and see what I am doing for her, and hopefully, she will be proud of me. I have always, and will always be proud of my 'Beautiful Babe'.

My wife's life was cut short. I would hate for all of the good, all of the times she helped and shared with others to have been in vain. This is where GoFundMe comes into play. To be able to have a beautiful monument for my love Mabel will be a wonderful tribute to her. At this difficult time in my life, financial obligations are a little overwhelming. So I'm reaching out to you, through GoFundMe, and ask if you can find it in your heart to assist in making this possible for my wife, and for myself. The cost of our headstone monument is $15,000. I would like to offer a pre-thank you, and hope and pray that you will one day be blessed for your kindness.