A Woman to be Remembered.

Proud to call “Wife,” “Mother,” and “Friend.”

Deborah Aguiar-Vélez was an extraordinary woman. She was Resilient, Determined, Compassionate — a Genuine human being. A loving wife, dedicated mother, brilliant businesswoman, financial advisor, and mentor and, as I recently discovered, a talented writer. Often times I thought she treated us more as employees than as daughters. It only took ten years to realize she was preparing us to be as she was — fearless. Deborah was a fighter — she fought the same battle 5 times, when most would give up after the first. She was courageous — risk-taking came as second nature to her. She believed that if one wished to succeed, one must take risks and make sacrifices. She sacrificed more than I would expect of most in order to keep a smile on our faces. She always thought of others before herself — hence why she touched the lives of so many.

If she had any fears, it was to see those she loved live short of their potential and abandon their dreams. If you wish to honor her memory, do so in how you live your life: with strength, courage, love, and most of all, without fear. If there’s one quote that embodied my mother and her message, it is this:

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined!” Though her life was short, she succeeded in following the words she so enthusiastically and profoundly expressed. Watch out for the buttons, Mom — we could not be more proud for all that you have accomplished, and to call you “Mother” “Wife” and “Friend.”