Dear Vanessa,

You have no idea who we are, but we grew to love and adore you instantly. In your absence we looked for you; we called out your name. We watched as your family continually put the pressures on the people that were involved in the mishandling of your situation, and we anxiously awaited your return.

We did not expect the outcome. We were shocked at the findings as they were uncovered on local & national news platforms. You were hurt, for no reason that will ever be valid enough for you never to be physically present again. We listened to the details of the pain that you endured, and we wanted to seek vengeance in your name–AT ALL COSTS. How did this happen? The people that you worked alongside everyday; the men that you trained with…how could they FAIL YO U??

My heart ached when your body was found; my head constantly throbbed. I prayed for your soul to take rest; I prayed for your family’s healing, and for your mother’s anguish to dissolve with time. I did not know you, but you brought so much light to the darkness that so many before, as well as along with you, have endured. Many just saw a pretty face; a young woman with so much promise to do well and establish her legacy. I saw a HERO…a SHEro, for use of a better term. I saw a FIGHTER.

I thank you for your life, and although it may have been such a short term here, it has been such a beautiful impact that you have made. You shook up the world, and there are changes that have taken place, with more yet to come. I thank you for the courage to LIVE BOLDLY.

The New Year came in, and did not come without surprise, and many have gone on about their lives to create their own footprints in the sand. I vow to honor you, and acknowledge the legacy that looks a lot different than the one that you and your family had in mind.

The world shall never forget you, Ms. Vanessa Guillén.

Besos.