My name is Rebecca De La O, wife of my love, Gerald De La O. I want to share a little bit about what life was like before my husband passed away. Gerald and I met for the first time when I was applying for a position to work at the hotel where he was the general manager. It was an instant connection; we had a zing that is indescribable, something you have to feel yourself in order to know the love we had.

Fast forward, I had just gotten out of a relationship that was not good. I was not confident and was just trying to pick up and overcome my trauma and hard times that I was facing at the time. Gerald, with his confidence and loving pep talks, always saw my potential and didn’t give up on wanting me to be in my power. Over time, he lifted me up, helping me grow and see all that I deserved. I was so blessed to have had him not only as my best friend but as my soulmate to grow old with. We spent every second together, never wanting to be apart; we just weren't complete without each other.

But along the years, we ran into some health issues. I became pregnant and couldn’t work, then he had his health issues. We stood by one another. We married and kept all the positive thoughts that it would be okay. He never let his health get in between his goal, and that was to own our own business, and we were doing just that. We had just launched when he found out his heart was sick and had bills stacking up. Well, a short time after, he had a massive heart attack, and our daughter only got to spend 3 weeks with him. He was so great with her.

Well, besides the heartache, I am left with picking up and trying to keep things afloat for us. I’m trying my best to be strong and financially overcome the obstacles that are put in front of me, but I’m so grateful. There are no words big enough to capture the love I have for him or the pain I feel now that he is gone. You were my heart, my home, and my strength. From the moment our paths crossed, you brought light into my life during my darkest days, and you never let go of my hand even when life tested us.

You gave me the most beautiful years of my life, filled with laughter, love, and the kind of peace I never knew I needed. You were more than a husband; you were my best friend, my protector, my greatest blessing. He worked so hard for our family, always putting us first without hesitation. He lived with purpose, love, and quiet strength, and his presence made our world feel whole. He was taken from us far too soon, and my heart aches in a way I can’t explain. But I take comfort in knowing he is still with me in every sunset, in our children’s smiles, in every memory we shared. He will forever live on in them, in me, and in the lives he has touched and saved with organ donations.

I thank him for choosing me. Grateful for your endless love. I will carry him in my heart for the rest of my life, and I promise to keep his spirit alive in our children, especially our newborn daughter, who will always know what kind of amazing father she had.