It’s crazy to me that 14 years ago today, my Mama went to Heaven. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to say goodbye to her. It happened so quickly. My Mama died of a deep vein thrombosis that made its way to both her lungs. The bilateral (both lungs) pulmonary embolisms killed her. She was so young. Not much older then I am now.

​Last year, I had a life threatening acute deep vein thrombosis with stent placement. I was on the critical care floor for four days. Since then, life has been hard, trying to recover and see what life long term will look like for me. A little ironic and it’s been sobering to think about. I am truly thankful that God kept me here to be with my family.

My Mom was a very generous lady. Always thinking of others. As a way to honor her, I created this nonprofit organization to continue a life of giving, just as she always did.

Since almost dying last year, I have been really missing my Mom so much more. Last week, after I was leaving the hospital, I picked up the phone to call her.

I often think to myself that I have failed honoring her. I have not been able to grow my nonprofit as much as I had hoped.

I am sorry, Mama.
I miss you.
I love you very much. 💗

​~Amy

It’s taken me a bit to write something. Trying to think of words to express so much that is going on right now, has been a challenge.

It’s now been 12 Mother’s Days since my Mom unexpectedly passed away. Both of my Grandma’s have also passed away. I know my grief has been delayed. With all the deaths going on in the world from the pandemic, I know it’s causing me to reflect more on my life.

All I can say right now is to treasure your time with your loved ones. I know it’s not easy with all that is going on right now. Even still, take the time to call, text or post a message to a loved one.

God bless you. 💜

With love,
​Amy

Happy Mother’s Day! 💐

The month of May is one of mixed emotions. I miss my Mama. I miss my Grandma’s. I reminisce about how things used to be. 💜

I feel bad for those who are not able to become a Mom. My heart goes out to the ones who have lost a child. I think about our baby in Heaven. 💕

I’m thankful that I’m able to be a Mama. I feel very blessed that God gave me two miracle girls. They are my best gifts. They surprised me this year with a beautiful, “Amy,” necklace and a beautiful, “Mom,” bracelet. I love their generous hearts. 💖

I pray for everyone who is hurting. May we all be thankful for whatever situation we are in at the moment. I pray that God will grant peace, comfort and love. 💜

​~Amy

CHP Appreciation Day was created five years ago, in 2014 to celebrate the 85th Anniversary. At that time, the atmosphere was changing towards Law Enforcement and by celebrating them on this day, the goal was to show our men and women in blue that they are honored and appreciated. I custom created 11,000, 85th Anniversary lapel pins that were meant for every CHP employee. I sent them to the Divisions to distribute to each area office. We also had about 40 wives who helped bring a cake or goodies to their offices that first year. It was amazing to see.

Five years later, it’s heart warming to see those amazing ladies who continue to help out each year and all the new ladies who are helping out. I truly appreciate each one of you. Thanks again! 💙💛💙💛

Happy Mother's Day!

For some reason I was having a problem trying to upload my picture and post a blog post. Anyway, every Mother's Day since my Mom died, I think about her and how she lived her life. My Mom was only 49 years old when she died. In that short amount of time, she made such a huge impact on so many peoples lives. She was not a "hero" in the traditional sense. She did not wear a military of law enforcement uniform but she was my Hero. When the College recruiter interviewed me, 25 years ago, and he asked me who my hero was, I said, my Mom, he was shocked that a teenager would say that. I knew back then that she was an extraordinary person. I just wish I would have showed her more of my appreciation back then. Appreciation is why I created CHP Appreciation Day. I could say a lot about that but for now, I will focus on my Mom. Anyway, we went to the cemetery on Saturday instead of Sunday because I knew it would be ridiculously crowded. Sure enough, it was already crowded on Saturday. It's such a beautiful cemetery. There is always a lot of distraction so I don't feel like I can really just think. I miss my Mom. I miss her everyday. I used to talk to her everyday and tell her about the daily things of life. I think about how no one can ever replace her. It hurts my heart that she is not able to continue her relationship with my girls, especially Tina. It was an amazing thing to see them connect. Tina loved my Mom so much. She needs her. I need her.

I am thankful that God allowed me the opportunity to be able to celebrate this day. I was not supposed to have kids. Yet, God granted me this gift. I hope I can be the Mom that He wants me to be.

Thanks for reading. God Bless You!
With Love,

​Amy

Happy Christmas Eve. 🎄 Here is a picture of our 3rd annual #Gifts2Help & #CHiPsforKids event at Carmel Elementary. We were able to have the kids pick a toy, take a pic with Santa, have some cookies with a juice box and make a craft. 🎁 It’s always great to see them excited to see Santa🎅🏽

Hello! Today is the 88th Anniversary of the California Highway Patrol. This is also the 4th year that I've been coordinating with wives across the State to bring in goodies to their husbands office. I am constantly amazed by their creativity, generosity & willingness to celebrate their men & their colleagues. I am very thankful for all their help. 💙💛💙💛

Today is a special day to me. It's also my Grandma's 90th Birthday. She is celebrating in Heaven. Four years ago, when I prayed about this idea to celebrate the Anniversary of the CHP, I knew it was meant to be because it shared the day with my Grandma's birth. I have so many wonderful memories of her. We talked everyday. I was blessed with a special relationship with her. I miss her & my Mom, so much. 💜

This day means a lot to me. I didn't start it or continue to do it for recognition. It's always been about my husband, his commitment to his career & it just happens to be the same day as my Grandma's Birthday. My hope is that the offices that are brought in goodies will appreciate and recognize that we Thank you & appreciate you for your daily service to the people of California. May God protect you as serve.

With love,
​Amy Reyes

10 years ago, on this day, my Mom unexpectedly passed away. She was an amazing woman with a very big heart. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her & want to call her to tell her about what happened that day. Tina misses her Grandma so much. She wishes they could still go shopping together & enjoy desserts together like they used to. It's an ache that doesn't really go away. We know she is in Heaven and that we will see her again. We love you so much, Mama. We miss you. Till we meet again. 💞