On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, my sister went through a life-changing event that impacted our entire families' lives for the worse. She lost her 4-year-old daughter, my niece, Aaliyah J. Taylor. Aaliyah was a light in all of our lives. She held a beautiful connection with everyone lucky enough to be on the receiving end of her smile. She was one of the most lively, energetic, cheerful, and positive baby despite going through more trials and tribulations than anyone we know. She spent her first year of life in the NICU due to many birth complications. Aaliyah's year in the NICU resulted in her living a life attached to multiple machines throughout different periods of her life; a GJ Tube for feeds, an AIRVO machine, and Oxygen machines. Aaliyah spent her last few months on earth going to Feeding Therapy, where she could finally taste food and learn how to eat. Her smile never wavered during each hospital visit, and each therapy visit, nor did the support of her parents Janie Flores and Taurris Taylor. Next to her parents was her older sister, Yosmary J. Flores. Yosmary was promoted to a big sister at the age of 9. Yosmary was the most excited to have a baby sister to play with, protect, fight with, laugh with, and simply have a sister.

Aaliyah's passing came into our lives unexpectedly, causing heartache that I did not even know possible. As unexpected as her passing was, we knew we had to have memorials to honor her life and all the blessings she bestowed upon us. Aaliyah passed away June 14th, 2023 in Houston, Texas as she was on vacation with her siblings; for the first time in her life, visiting her grandparents and myself, Yosari Mondragon, her aunt.

Unfortunately, Yosmary, 13 at the time, was present the night her sister passed away. Yosmary tried her best to help her sister that night by checking her oxygen machine.

Since Aaliyah was not home in Atlanta, Georgia, we attempted to bring her body home to her parents. This was when we found out that we were not able to move her to Atlanta, Georgia without a Texas funeral being involved. This resulted in us paying for multiple funeral services- one in Houston and one in Atlanta. There is an array of emotions and trauma attached to a funeral, yet we were made to live through it twice, in the span of one week. These decisions were made with one thing in mind; giving Aaliyah a resting place with the peace and love she deserved.

Death in all sense is something no one is prepared for. Despite the unexpectedness of death, as adults, we can comprehend the complexities that come with death. As for my eldest niece, Yosmary J. Flores, this was not the case. Yosmary continues to struggle with the passing of her sister. This is why I am asking, on behalf of my sister and her family, for any donations. All donations and contributions are appreciated.

Donations will be used for one of two things; to put her oldest daughter in therapy and the cost of Aaliyah's headstone, as her funeral arrangements have already taken place.

Thank you on behalf of the Flores and Taylor family.