He never missed a chance to take a picture with her, and he was always willing to dance. Those moments became part of their relationship, not because they were planned or perfect, but because they were so completely them.
He also checked in often. He called just to see how she was doing, and if Gabriella was sick, he made sure to call and ask how she felt. That was one of the ways he loved. He paid attention. He cared. He made sure she knew she mattered.
From the beginning, Jose’s love was something Gabriella could feel and count on.
Food was another big part of who Jose was.
Gabriella says he loved food more than anyone she knew, and he loved a lot of it. If he was not eating, he was probably hangry. It is one of those funny, honest details that make a memory feel alive.
Some of Gabriella’s favorite memories are not complicated. They are meals together, laughter, and time spent with family. The kind of memories that become even more meaningful because they were part of regular life.
With Jose, family time mattered.
And he made it feel full.
Honoring Him on the Days That Matter Most
Jose’s birthday will always be a meaningful date for Gabriella and her family.
On his heavenly birthday, Gabriella plans to honor him by doing things that feel connected to him. Spending time with family. Sharing stories. Looking through old pictures. Eating good food.
It is a way to celebrate the happiness he brought into their lives, even while missing him deeply.
The anniversary of his passing will bring a different kind of emotion. Gabriella knows it will be a hard day, but she also wants it to be a day of reflection. A day to think about how lucky they were to have him, and to remember the love, laughter, and memories he gave them.
Those dates do not become easy.
But they can become meaningful.
They can become days where grief and gratitude meet.
Red Birds, 4:44, and the Comfort of Feeling Him Near
Since Jose passed, Gabriella has felt his presence in ways that have brought her peace.
One of the clearest signs has been red birds.
She began noticing them more than ever before, and recently saw one three days in a row. First on the car ride to Indiana. Then, during a walk. Then again, while she was playing tennis.
For Gabriella, those moments felt personal. They gave her the feeling that Jose was near, still watching over her, still connected to her life.
She has also found comfort in repeating numbers, especially 4:44. Whenever she sees it, she says his name out loud.
That small ritual has become a way to feel close to him.
A way to pause.
A way to remember that his love is still with her.
What Jose’s Love Taught Her
Jose’s love continues to inspire Gabriella in the way she wants to live and love others.
He reminds her to be present with the people she cares about. To laugh more. To appreciate the moments that may seem ordinary while they are happening. To value family. To understand how much it means when someone simply makes the effort to show up.
That is the kind of impact Jose had.
He did not just leave behind memories.
He left behind a way of loving.
A way of caring loudly and proudly.
A way of making people feel supported.
