The hot afternoon had steadily cooled as the shadows from the hickory and oak trees grew long.  I had been outside for some time, dragging tree branches into piles as high as our house.  Lisa had just come out and Lari trailed behind her, clutching a few of her dinosaurs in each arm.  Lisa joined me on the tailgate of my old Chevy, and we both smiled as we watched Lari play in the sand.  I turned up the truck radio and we enjoyed cruising classics while Lisa ran her feet across the cool sand.  Soon the sun rays dropped behind the trees that lined the road beyond and covered us in coolness.  Lisa leaned on my shoulder and we swayed to the music, pretending to dance cheek to cheek. At that moment we were sure of a few facts.  We knew we were far from anyone familiar, we

knew whatever we had was within eye shot and we knew we loved each other and our daughter dearly.  Lisa and I were strong and determined and here was where our family tree would take root.  Lisa had saved me from loneliness and for that I was eternally grateful.  She accepted me in spite of all my shortcomings.  After fixing her car or putting in a ceiling fan, she would tell me, "I guess I'll keep you", and then laugh as she kissed me.  By now we knew we belonged together and whatever challenges or obstacles were set before us we would overcome together.

These thoughts raced through my head on that terrible night as I held her hand and saw her breath slow and then finally stopped.  I leaned over and softly whispered into her ear, " I'll see you soon" as my tears dropped on her cold cheek.

Elizabeth T. Torres came to the world on October,21 1970.  She grew up with her brother, Martin Torres Jr., mother Josie, and her now passed beloved father, Martin Torres.  She met her soon to be husband of 30 years, David Juarez at a local "church", O.P.'s, wink, wink.   They married and had 4 children, Julianna Martes, Martin Manuel, Clarissa Ysenia and Hilaria Irene Battoe and Husband Jacob Batoe.  Her family meant everything to her and soon she was blessed with two grand children Ysabella, and Joseph the "Mounster". Lisa was a loving soul who touched so many with her laughter and kindness.  Her gentle nature and love of life endeared her to so many as she giggled her way through life. She loved to dance and loved working out. When she was struck down with a stroke she was devasted, but soon her grandson was born and became the apple of her eye.  He filled her life with joy and she revelled in her role as grandmother.  Then Ysabella was born and Lisa's eyes gleamed every time she held her in her arms.

Lisa will be dearly missed but we will carry her in our hearts and cherish the time we shared. May Our Lord Jesus keep her and bless our days with the memory of her love.