Isaias's 50th: A Special Wish for Him and His Late Mom

My husband, Isaias Hiram Urrabazo, will be hitting a big milestone in July:

He's turning 50, folks!

I really want to do something special for him ... and for his mom, who passed from COVID-19 five years ago this June.

Those of you who know Isaias and me know that every year we do a large Day of the Dead ofrenda installation at the Springs Preserve. This year will be our 10th anniversary of doing this, and for 8 of those years we will have been in the same spot.

One thing the Springs Preserve does to support its efforts towards family-friendly programming and environmental and cultural stewardship is to collect donations through an initiative called Commemorative Giving where donors can purchase a plaque on a bench or a paver. That money is then used to support Springs Preserve.

For quite some time, one of Isaias' fondest wishes has been to purchase one of these bench plaques (an example of an existing one is shown in the photos) to honor the memory of his mom, our dear Nena, whose legacy continues through the art Isaias shares with the community each year. Isaias specifically wants to purchase a bench plaque in the space where we do the ofrenda each year.

There is now only one plaque-less bench in that space, and we would like to get it before it's too late to do so. Unfortunately, the cost of purchasing the plaque is a bit prohibitive: $2,500.00. While I am capable of partially paying for this expense out of my own pocket, my budget will not allow me to cover the full cost myself, so I am hoping some of you out there can help.

And look, I know there are many worthwhile things out there that people can put their money towards, but this would be such a win-win if I can make this happen: helping a terrific non-profit community organization; honoring a great woman whom we miss terribly; and giving a selfless man who does so much for others a really memorable and special gift on his milestone birthday.

If you can help make this wish come true, I would be forever grateful, and I know he would be too.

[Note: If you share this on social media, be sure to make it unviewable to Isaias. I don't know if I can keep it a surprise, but I sure would like to.]