Throughout our lives, we get very caught up in the mundane. Going about each day working, cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry never realizing that these moments become the most precious. We assign massive deadlines and stress to things we consider "big and important", not recognizing the magic in the simple moments. When those moments become memories, we realize how little we have spent enjoying and making those the most precious of all our memories.

Mina was born in Guatemala on February 14, 2000 and adopted by wonderful parents whom raised her in Indiana. Her love for animals and music came early, as she had several bunnies growing up and taught herself how to play the Marimba and piano. Her beautiful imagination gave her a unique talent for art and she found it easy to translate words and emotions to images. Her love was just as wildly relentless as she was in all things and she would often cry at the majesty of the mountains. Her smile brightened every soul she touched, none brighter than mine.

I had the great fortune of meeting Mina during her telemetry travel assignment to Colorado from Kentucky. She was fiercely dedicated to her patients and her work, constantly pushing herself to learn more and be better at understanding heart rhythms. During our time getting to know one another, she reignited my love of nature and adventures, always pulling me out of the house to go see the mountains or especially the stars. That eventually grew into so much more.

Mina was full of wit, sass, emotional intelligence and so much love. She remains the brightest star in my sky and breathed new life into me after my father passed away. She was beyond special and had a special power that could make anyone feel seen in a crowded room. She taught me how to love myself again and that there is beauty in chaos.

Mina died November 17th, 2025 in an accident while she was out stargazing in the mountains, her favorite thing to do in the world. To honor her passing, I wanted to dedicate an area for her friends and family to commune and visit with her while taking the chance to slow down and experience the world around us. With that in mind, I'll be getting a bench-style memorial marker for her in Crystal Valley Cemetery in Manitou Springs, CO. This was her favorite city besides the mountains, and where I feel her presence most. If you are able, and can find a way, please donate as much as you can.

Corey