My mother, Nidia Uribe, was born January 27,1957 in Cali, Colombia to Stella and Argemiro, and her two older sisters Luz Amparo and Martha. Mom grew up as "Daddy's favorite", that is until her little sister Sandra was born. There was no animosity however, and mom often described the joy she felt with her new "muñeca". Even as a young teen, she had keen motherly instincts and enjoyed playing the Mom role.

At 19, Mom came to Titusville, Florida as an International Exchange Student. She instantly formed strong bonds with her host family and during her first week in the US, at an International event, she met Wan Sutantri, from Indonesia. Dad was so intrigued by her that the next day he went door to door through Titusville, often encountering not so amused residents, until he finally found her and asked her to a movie. About two years later, he flew to Cali by himself, knowing little Spanish, to marry Mom on December 29, 1979. Through Dad's work, the newlyweds were able to travel and live in various countries. Mom often spoke of this time with great fondness, not denying of course the challenges of being a new wife, but often laughing at how naive she was at the time and her go to meals, such as hotdog sandwiches.

On September 27, 1981 she was ecstatic with her first baby, Felipe Andres. Felipe and Mom were inseparable. He didn't want to be without her and she loved to coddle him (this never stopped). Then in December 1985, she had me, who would obviously take after her, and become "Daddy's girl", but in the end, I would strive to be just like her.

Over the course of her life, she built many strong, long-lasting friendships. One of the things I’ve most admired her for, is her ability to bring people together. She loved to host gatherings, inviting family and friends from all eras of her life, and then watched happily as relationships between them flourished. Even in death, she’s been successful at this.

I admire how she always stayed in touch and kept up with Family and Friends. She always remembered birthdays, anniversaries, and even kept note of all the Major Milestones in our lives, often reminding us, even if we didn’t want to be reminded.

She always had the house spotless and delicious meals on the table. She did everything to ensure that Felipe and I grew up faithful and educated. She was tough on us, setting high expectations and making sure we always worked hard. However, she never failed to show us how much she loved us and even through disappointment, she made sure we knew, she’d always have our backs.

My Mom was our Rock. Even through illness and her most trying moments, she never failed to think about us, her family and friends. She worried about the sadness, suffering, and inconveniences that her illness had caused everyone around her. I know that she stayed as strong as possible, for as long as she could, for the sake of those she loved.

Despite the immense void I feel today, I thank God for this amazing woman. She provided me with the strength, the courage, the wisdom, and most importantly the faith to move forward in this world that seems so empty without her.

There are so many things that I have learned from my Mother. From little things such as, neatly folding a fitted sheet, to bigger things like, being strong willed. But the most important thing I’ve learned from my mother is to Love. Not just say it, but show it. Cherish the people in your life; Work on your relationships; Give yourself to those you love. I’ve seen firsthand that this Love is the only thing that is left behind that really matters and it’s the only thing that you can take with you.

I want to thank all of our friends and family who have shown us incredible support during these difficult times. Your love for my Mom has shown through your actions and has been a great comfort to my dad, Felipe and me. I hope that you feel the presence of our love, and my mothers’, in your own lives.