A Father Remembers His Daughter With Everlasting Love
Left to right: Stephanie Castaneda and her sister Melissa
……………………………………….
Gerald Castaneda, father of Stephanie Celia Castaneda- born July 14, 1982, died June 24 2008- remembers his daughter with tears and love.
Gerald, thank you for sharing your heart and humanity.
……………………………………
As you all know, on the 24th of June it was two years since my hita went to meet god. We still miss her like it was yesterday. I ask myself, why God, she was only 25 years old. She still had lot of life to live. I guess I’ll never understand why he works the way he does but I can rest assured that someday I will get to see her again.
Most people don’t understand the hurt it is to lose a child. I know that death is part of life but when you lose a child it feels like a part of your heart was pulled out from your chest. I have met some of my friends and we tell them how we feel, they say, “Aren’t you over it, it’s already been over a year?”
Now I can understand why God said to me, trust in me I will give you comfort; I’ll give you rest in times like these. I thank God for friends and relatives that give us the support no matter how many times we share our heart with them it’s always, we understand and will keep you in our prayers.
Anyway that’s all for now. I just saw these pictures this morning. They brought tears to my eyes.
God bless you all. Have a good day.
Gerald
Comments
By melissa on July 20th, 2010 at 10:01 am
Miss you sister. It is still so hard. Yea I bet you can see what it is doing to us. Kids miss you like crazy. Zachie will be in 6th grade this year and Jerry is going to 2nd. Steph this so sucks. Love u sis like you don’t even and words can’t even explain.
By John Medina on July 20th, 2010 at 10:30 am
I had tears in my eyes when I read this and when I saw the picture. I can’t believe it’s been two years already. I also can’t believe it happened at all. Please know that you all are in both mine and Mandy’s thoughts and prayers constantly. And so is Stephanie. Descanse in Paz, prima.
By Lynnette on July 20th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Stephanie was an amazing individual. She had a smile that would brighten up anyone’s day. I will never forget what an amazing supporter she and the rest of her family were and are for the Pojoaque Valley. I don’t think they ever missed a girls basketball game and I know they were always there for STATE. Stephanie is missed by many!!
By Carolyn on July 20th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Stephanie was a wonderfuly woman that loved her family deeply and all people that she came into contact with. Stephanie is missed very much and always will be. It is tragic to lose a child. No one can understand unless they lose a child. It has been 8 years since Michael passed and it still hurts the same as the day he crossed over. My prayers are with the family that God will continue to give them all strength needed with their faith in him to get through this.
By Donna & Danny trujillo on July 20th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Gerald this definately brought tears to our eyes. Your all in our thoughts and prayers always. Stephanie’s smile was always a highlight in our visits she was so full of love and compassion just like her precious family
By Christi Ann on July 21st, 2010 at 9:19 am
Gerald you brought tears to my eyes. But yes some people don’t understand the hurt it is to lose a child. But I know that Stephanie is the most beautiful Angel Gods has right beside him. My prayers are with you and the family. Just remember if you need anything I’m here. Love You Guys
By Bernice on July 21st, 2010 at 11:38 am
Gerald, this also brought tears to my eyes. It had just been a month that I had joined this wonderful family when you and Annie lost your hita. I did not have the opportunity to get to know Stephanie that well, but she was blessed to have wonderful parents, siblings and nephews that loved her so much. Keep staying strong and always rely on your faith. It will get you through those difficult days.
By Renee Jaramillo on July 21st, 2010 at 2:35 pm
We miss you are little Stephie. Uncle Gerald know that you all are always in our prayers and thoughtsWe love you guys are will always be here for you.
By Raul on July 21st, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Just a thought reminding you that we love your family.. Blessings.. Raul and Family..
By Uncle Robert on July 22nd, 2010 at 9:02 am
Steph worked at the same place I do and every morning I would go by her office and say hi to her. I do not go thru that hall anymore, it is sad. I do have video of our 1989 reunion where she lives for us always. She was a very young girl and this will stay in our hearts forever. Love uncle bob
By Leo and Maria on July 22nd, 2010 at 10:45 am
Uncle Gerald and Aunt Annie,
In our hearts Steph will always be with us. The most difficult loss is that of ones child. We must trust in God and his plan for each one of us as we go through life. Her angelic voice will always be remembered in each one of us. Have faith in God that he will give you peace and understanding each day. May God Bless You and the family.
Love Leo and Maria
By Lucille (Sheila) and Joe Gutierrez on July 22nd, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Uncle Gerald and Auntie Annie, Melissa and Gerald, Our prayers are with you. This brought tears to my eyes. Hope all is well with you all and remember that Stephanie had a special place in most peoples hearts. God Bless you and your family during this time and always. I love you all very much and you are right, one does know what it is like to lose a child. I cannot even begin to even imagine. My mom, Tina C. Sandoval, says prayers for you and your family. Your sister, Tina, she will be there for you always, for her brothers, Love you all, Lucille and Joe Gutierrez, and all of Tina and Manuel Sandoval’s family, Sylvia and Chris, Julie and Ray, Shirley and Michael, Judi and Dorsey and all our children.
By Lucille (Sheila) and Joe Gutierrez on July 22nd, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Correction: “One does NOT know what it is like to lose a child”
By Sonya on July 28th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
I can’t believe it’s already been 2 years since we lost Steph. Not a day that goes by that I don’t think of her in some way. I was very fortunate to share a lot of my time with her and I’m so grateful for the memories. If I was feeling down she’d find a way to make me laugh.
) Steph was a beautiful person inside & out.
By April Marie Moya Salazar on October 17th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
This brought tears to my eyes as well. Stephanie was a beautiful, wonderful person. She was so sweet and I will never forget her. I knew her from school, and I graduated with Melissa, and also worked with Annie. Wonderful, family. I will continue to lift the Castaneda family up in prayer. I pray our dear Lord continue to provide continued comfort and healing for each and everyone of you. I lost my cousin, whom was like a brother to me a year and a half ago. The pain will never go away, you just learn to deal with it. Listen to the song, “Save A Place For me.” It will bring comfort to your heart.
God bless you all.