Did You Ever Have to Let Go of an Angel?: In Loving Memory of Alexander Jonathan Mimun. Forever More.

I had just gotten home and was reaching for the doorknob, when I felt the door being pulled away from my hand. Someone was already opening the door to let me in. Joseph, Desiree, Joey and Nathan were all standing there. I could tell by the shocked look on their faces and how they all met me at the door (as if they had been waiting for me) that I was about to hear something I didn't want to hear. Then in what seemed like an instant, I scanned the room for a head count and noticed that the only one not in sight, (who was living here with us at the time) was Mariah, Oh my God, had something happened to Mariah? Then I thought that if something had happened to her, Desiree would be holding her in her arms. That's when my thoughts turned to you AJ, "Has something happened to AJ, were you hurt some how? Then why were they all standing here and not at the hospital? But before I could ask what was wrong, Nathan reached over and put his arms around me and begin to cry. Desiree looked at me and cried out, "AJ is dead."

That was a year ago today. In that moment, last year, I felt the whole world come crashing down on me. I thought, "This can't be possible, You can't be gone, You've never hurt anyone. You're to young it's not your time. How are you going to become a father if you're not around. You still haven't finished fixing your apartment. Besides, it isn't natural and goes against Gods plans for a daughter to have to tell her mother that her brother is dead. This has to be a mistake, a glitch in the universe! I can't let my other two kids have to go through this. I have to find a way to make it stop and turn back time. I have to find a way to bring you home where you belong..................... God had other plans.

A Year Later

Everyday, since that day, I have thought of you. I feel you all around me. I see you EVERWHERE and in EVERYTHING and in Everyone. Your life plays over and over in my head like a video. Your voice echos in my mind, your baby voice, your teenage voice, your adult voice. I hear your cry and your laughter. I hear you tell me that your are hungry, sleepy and saying that you love me. I feel our, "hugs for health". I feel your hands, your hair, your head on my shoulders. I see you playing and fighting with you brother and sister. I see you kiss them and hug them like you have done a million times. I don't know exactly what it is really like for them to lose a brother, to lose you. But, I know that it has brought them closer. It has brought us all closer. Was this your purpose?

AJ, my dear son, I will always love you.  I miss you so much.   Save a place for me, I will see you in a flash.

It's been a year now, I can't believe its been that long.... We all still love you very much and still think about you everyday. It's just kind of weird or scary when I think "a year" because I never wanted that day to be labeled as "Over A Year." or that I would have to say, " it's been over a year."

Every time I'm in my car listening to the radio I always think about you. So many songs remind me of you, like that Whitney Houston song, that we all sang when we were younger. Also, that Aero Smith song, I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing. The part of the song that says, " Even when I dream of you, the sweetest dreams will never do, I still miss you babe and I don't wanna miss a thing."

I wish you were here to watch Mariah grow up. She is getting so big. Joey and I decided if we have a baby boy in the future, we are going to name him after you. It's weird but Mariah, does a lot of things that remind me of you when you were her age. I wish you could see her. But I actually know you can see her. Maybe it's just that I wish I could see you see her. I know you can see us all. Since the night we got the news my faith has been tested more then it ever has before. I have to believe that we will meet again someday and that you are in a greater place. That is what keeps us all going. AJ, I just want to say I love you and you will never leave my heart, thoughts and prayers.

I love you AJ......Love, Your Big Sister

One year later and I still hear you, see you, feel you. I still breathe you, still wanna be near you, still wonder why it wasn't me instead of you. Wish I never knew what it was like to miss someone but now I do. Why it had to be you is something no one can ever answer. And if they try, there aint nothing they could say that could ever be good enough to be true. I love you big brother. I miss you forever till I see you in a better place where the sun don't control the weather. xoxo

Through these times, through days and nights, through thoughts and dreams and asking why, we miss you bro. We pray and wish you were here. But we feel that you are watching over us from the stars. Keeping us safe and strong while this completes the year. Through this pain we feel, through these dreams that seem real, you are remembered forever. You will always be cherished.  Keep you in our hearts till we meet in heaven.

A year's gone by and you're still not here. Sometimes I think I feel your presence and I wonder if you can hear my prayers for you. I talk to you everyday and with each passing day I miss you even more. We all miss & love you. You are very much alive in our hearts & soul. Some days are worse than others, but we keep moving on in our own different ways. But the love we all feel for you, stronger than ever. Your beautiful smile and smiling eyes are forever with me. Anger & sorrow first consumed me. Now there is this hole in my heart and no one else can fill it. I miss you my love, my best friend. I pray that you are watching over the ones that love you the most. Mariah looks so much like you did when you were baby. When I hug her it some how makes me feel closer to you. Like I'm hugging you through her. You would have been an awesome Uncle Aj. please give me a sign that you can hear me. I Miss you so much and I cant wait for the day we can be together again. Save me a spot My Love, see you soon. With all my love and longing Jenny Benny.

To Jennifer Mimun: Dear Jennifer, There are no words to describe how eternally grateful our family is for your support. Thank you Jennifer for your generous gift following AJ's passing. Your financial contribution helped ease our burden and made it possible to face this difficult time. Thank you for being there as a friend and sharing your memories of AJ with me, it brought joy to my heart. AJ also spoke often of your kindness and his fondness of you. I know AJ would have appreciated it. Most of all Jennifer, thank you for your friendship and love for AJ. Knowing that you miss him too makes our burden a bit easier to bear. You are truly an angel.

To Diana Pacheco: Dear Diana, I could never ask for a better sister. You have been there for us for as long as I can rememeber. In fact, you are the kind of person who would help anyone in need without thinking twice about it. Thank you so much for being there to lean on and for holding my hand throughout all the funeral preperations. I never would have made it without your help. Thank you for loving AJ and being there for Desiree and Nathan, I know they love you too. You are a life saver, a true angel and the wind beneath a thousand wings. I love you. Thank you!

To Pastor Robert Morgan: Dear Robert: A true friend and disciple of Christ. I wish to express our thanks for the truly beautiful service you performed. Your soothing words brought comfort and hope to all in attendance. We greatly appreciate your friendship and services.

To Celia Olivares: Thank you mom for preventing the doctors from taking AJ's life before it had begun. As I am sure you remember, when I was 5 months pregant with AJ, I ended up in the hospital. The doctors told me that I had an appendicitis and that they needed to perform on operation on me to save my life. This however, meant that my unborn baby would die. You knew they were wrong and ultimately prevented them from taking AJ's life. With my appendix still in tact, four months later AJ was born. Had it not been for you and our Lord, we never would have had the honor and the privilage of having AJ's love and beauty in our lives for 23 years. Thank you mom for saving AJ's Life.

Alexander Jonathon Mimun went to be with our Lord on March 7, 2010. Alexander is preceeded by his grandfathers, David T. Pacheco and Abramo Mimun. He is survived by: his mother, Lillian P. Mimun, his sister, Desiree Miranda Mimun and her husband and daugther; Joey Perez and Mariah Aubrey Perez; his brothers, Nathan Miles Mimun and Devin A. Mimun, his father and stepmother, Alexander H. Mimun and Jennifer A. Mimun, his girlfriend Jennifer Ann Ybarra, his Grandmothers, Celia G. Olivares and Carmen Mimun and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. AJ is loved and will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. His beautiful and gentle soul lives in our hearts forever.

This moment was tuff today to believe what we saw. Separated for years as you united us all. The love you have shared was a gift you have given. In the arms of an angel to the heavens you've risen. Through the clouds up above through the stars and the skies. Through the fulfillness of your love for theses emotional times. We will treasure the moments for a lifetime to come. Till that day we meet again, to the horizon as we run. Our hands embraced as we meet up again. I think I speak for us all from your family and friends. We love you with the passion from our start to the end. So may you walk with God through his everlasting light. As you spread your wings, as an Angel takes flight. An Angel you've become and our gaurdian you will be. So remember a promise that's made is a promise to keep. I love you bro, and I will treasure your memory forever. Oh yeah, and if you don't mind while your in heaven, say hello to my brother for me. Thanks For All This Love We Have Received From You.

By Joey Perez

Diana ~ April 09, 2010

To my beautiful nephew, AJ I love you and miss you. I'm sad that I won't see your beautiful and shy smile again. Every time I saw you, you had a smile and always looked happy and that is how I will always remember you. And it makes me feel happy and privileged that God gave you to us for a while so we could know you and to be a part of your life. In your short 23 years you have touched everyone you've met. Even though we feel sad and hurt that you are no longer with us, you will always be in our hearts and thoughts and you will never be forgotten. We will always remember you young and full of life. God has called you home for now but we will all be together some day and you will be there waiting to greet us when our time comes. You are now one of God's angels, "Our Guadian Angel" and safe in His arms. You have a beautiful and kind soul and you will live on forever. I send you Hugges and Kisses my dear nephew. I MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU ALWAYS.

Alexander Mimun ~ April 02, 2010

A.J my son I love and miss you so much. I keep thinking of you and will never run out of all those memories we all had together. Man A.J I miss you so much. Now I know when people say you never know what you had till it's gone, man do I know, well A.J, like I always said I love you and be careful till we meet again, I love you son.

Your Mom ~ March 31, 2010

The last time that I saw you. I hugged you and I kissed you and I told that I loved you. And the last time that you saw me, you hugged me and you kissed me and you told me that you loved me. I just can't bear it, that it was the last time. I miss you babe. I want to pinch your cheeks again and tell you that you are so cute like I always did since you were a little baby boy. Remember? With all my love. My life will never be complete.a part of me is gone.
I will always love you, my son.

J. Mimun, San Antonio, Texas, March 22, 2010

We miss you A.J...it's like we're just waiting for you to walk through the door anytime now and tell you not to ever do that again...but we know that you truly are in a better place and that one day we WILL see you again. We love you A.J and we miss you...we will see each other again.

Alexander Mimun, San Antonio, Texas, March 22, 2010

Well AJ it's been two week's and I still can believe your gone I know your gone but I just can't, there hasen been one day gone by that I don't think of you, waiting for you to walk up to me with that big smile I love you so much AJ and we all miss you very much.AJ be the angel that you are and watch over Desiree, Nathan and your mom, thanks will always love son.

Veronica Corralejo, San Antonio, Texas, March 22, 2010

To our dear and beloved nephew A.J - May your soul and spirit be at peace and in Heaven with God, taking care of you. Love you: Aunt Veronica, Uncle Hector, Cousins-Annabel and David Corralejo.

Felicia Pendleton, Madison, Wisconsin, March 16, 2010

Alex, Jennifer, Desiree, Nathan, and Devin, and all loved one's I am praying for a peace from The Lord to overtake any sorrow and pain that you all may be going through. My deepest condonlences and prayers are with you always.

Jennifer Ybarra, San Antonio, Texas, March 16, 2010

AJ, I miss you more than words can express. I don't know how to even begin to move on. How can I? You deserved more. I miss your touch and your love. Most of all I miss you my love. I hope there is justice for you. I love you AJ always. Save me a spot.

Celia Olivares, San Antonio, Texas, March 15, 2010

To my dearest grandson whom I greatly missed and loved. I will greatly missed your smile and you saying "good morning grandma" every morning when you got up.

You've just walked on ahead of me
And I've got to understand
You must release the ones you love
And let go of their hand.
I try to cope the best I can
But I'm missing you so much
If I could only see you
And once more feel your touch.
Yes, you've just walked on ahead of me
Don't worry I'll be fine
But now and then I swear I feel
Your hand slip into mine

Your Mom, Lillian, March 13, 2010

To my dear and beautiful children, Desiree and Nathan whom I love so very much and who I owe my most happiest moments, who showed me how great life really was when you and your brother, AJ came into my life. I want you to know that I know how much your hearts hurt and the emptiness you feel since your brothers passing. AJ was part of everything that we are today. But just remember that AJ lives on with us in our hearts and in our memories. AJ knew and still knows the love we have for him. I believe that one great day we will be with him again. Until then, stay strong and lean to our heavenly father Jesus Christ who has died for us because of his love for us. AJ is with Jesus now and at peace and filled with a joy stronger then we can ever imagine for all eternity. I love you so much. Your mom Lillian.

JOEY PEREZ, SAN ANTONIO, Texas March 12, 2010

You finally have left , in this day we have dreaded. Deep in our hearts is where this emptiness was embedded . To claim the loss of someone so dearly. Was a pain never felt, and a vision not so clearly. Respected Yes, accepted, not rightfully.
A feeling of so alone was still again not rightfully. But yet as the father had said," There are no do overs" , try again, or take backs in this. We look to the side as a different track arose through the mist. A track full of hope , love, togetherness, and beauty. The track you led us to recognize the call of your duty. Put here to see this is just a sample of the surprise, that awaits us all as we meet you in paradise. So for the mean time now, we will live out this new life with reunited family and friends. And give thanks to you AJ again, and again. For bringing friends and family all back together. Your heart was made of gold and your memory we will treasure. YOU ARE TRULY LOVED AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN..... YOUR FRIEND AND BROTHER .............JOEY PEREZ

JR,OPHELIA,NOAH,& ELIJAH PENDLETON, March 12, 2010

JENNIFER AND ALEX SORRY WE COULD NOT ATTEND BUT OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL!! WE LOVE YOU

 Jennifer Ybarra, san antonio, Texas, March 12, 2010

AJ you are my love. I miss you and can't imagine this life without you. You were such a clown always making me laugh. I could never stay mad at you. That smile was the end of me. I wish with all my heart that this would have ended differently. I hope you will watch over all of us who loved you unconditionally. My love, I'm comforted by the knowing that we loved each other and we both knew it. No one can take that away from us. I hope to see you again soon my love. I love you always!!!

maria mendez, Houston, Texas, March 11, 2010

I sorry for you lost.. You are not alone. I am here with you....

JoAnn Tabares, San Antonio, Texas March 11, 2010

To all the family. I am a friend of your grandmother Carmen Mimun and I know the pain she and her family are feeling at this time. I also lost my son and I know how the pain is so undescrible and painful. I am sorry you are having to experience this. I was very angry for a long time, years. Time is the only thing that could possibly heal you. May your family and faith see you through this

April Trejo, San Antonio, Texas, March 11, 2010

A.J.,
You were a great friend and I miss you already. Even though I hadn't seen you in awhile, the memories of you are fresh in my mind and will be there forever. You were so special and funny, and that's how I will always remember you. I'm praying for your family. Goodbye, I hoep to see you again. Love, April

David Corralejo, San Antonio, Texas, March 11, 2010

My cousin, you will always be in our subconscious and our hearts.
your in peace now A.J

Letty G. Lopez, San Antonio, Texas, March 11, 2010

Lilly and Family,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your old friend, Letty

Cindy Menchaca, San Antonio, Texas, March 11, 2010

My depeest condolences to the family..the little time I knew A.J he made me laugh and was a sweetie ...he will be an awesome angel

Sandra Gamboa, San Antonio, Texas, March 11, 2010

My Dear Friend Lily I'am so sorry for your loss of your Son. you and your Family are in my prayers. Your Son spirit will always be with your.

Madeline & Bill Copeland, San Antonio, Texas, March 11, 2010

There are no words anyone can say that will ease the pain over such a horrible lost!!
Just know Madeline and I wish there was some way that we could take away the hurt!!
Madeline & Bill Copeland

Desiree Mimun, San Antonio, Texas, March 11, 2010

To one of the sweetest brothers a person could have, i love you so much. Ill never ever forget your beautiful smile. I don't think anyone will. You had so much ahead of you, but i guess God needed you more. Right now i'm listening to Candle Box, Far Behind, as you probably know. I remember we used to like that song and would always listen to it together. I haven't stopped thinking about you since i got the call. I wish we would have even spent more time together. Remember that chain i bought you? I have it. Ill take good care of it i promise. Im looking at one of your pictures right now, you are a cutie pie. I loved to watch you with Mariah, i know you loved her too and will now be her Gaurdian Angle. I love you so so so so much and you will ALWAYS be in my heart. I love you A.J.........
Your Big Sis Desiree Miranda Mimun
I LOVE YOU
MY BROTHER, AND WILL
NEVER FORGET YOU.

Joey Perez, San Antonio, Texas, March 11, 2010

Through this time of pain and hurt, tears and sorrows. The thought of your love shall awake with us tomorrow. through our cries and prayers, through the good times and bad. We embrace the memory of your love that we have. Forever and always we will keep it inside, in our hearts to treasure and meant never to be put aside. For you have a place set in all of us here. Who will remember you forever and keep you so near. We miss you so much like you wouldn't believe. Through the days full of thoughts and the nights when we cry ourselves to sleep. So brother , friend , son , grandson , cousin, uncle, and nephew. just remember one thing we will never forget you...... We Love You With All Of Our Hearts ..... Miss you A.J..... From Joey Perez

PRISCELLA GARCIA ,ABBIGAIL,ALEXIS , JOEL, San Antonio, Texas, March 10, 2010

dear desiree my heart goes out to you and your family my deepest condolences to your mom and dad . you were a good friend aj i have known since i was 16 years old and i will never forget you my heart is filled with nothing but good memories of you. your wonerful spirit will live on with us. love forever

Nathan Mimun, San Antonio, Texas, March 10, 2010

i love you i miss you i dont want it to be true

Sandra Ybarra-Sena, San Antonio, Utah, March 10, 2010

I am sorry for your loss, AJ will be missed. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.

Mirta Quintero De Leon, San Antonio, Texas, March 10, 2010

"To Our Cousin Lily and family, our prayers and thoughts of peace and comfort be with you..As Christians In Faith, Believing God Loves us for He has called Alex home to be with his Heavenly Father - for His Journey on earth has been fulfilled though he will be deeply missed his memories have been deeply engraved in your hearts. May your tears bring joy and laughter for it brings healing to your hearts. With much love..... Your Cousin Mirta Quintero De Leon & All the Quintero Family

Jennifer Mimun, San Antonio, Texas, March 10, 2010

We love you AJ and we will miss you. But now you are in heaven...no sadness, no pain, instead joyful loving peace. Now no one can ever hurt you again.

Carlos & Kathi Martinez, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, March 10, 2010

Lily and Alex,Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. May God provide you with the strength to get through this difficult time.

Veronica Corralejo, San Antonio Texas, March 10, 2010

To my dear brother Alex, his wife Jennifer, AJ's mom Lily, Desiree, Nathan, Devon, and extended family - Our prayers, thoughts, and love will be with you always. AJ - My dear wonderful nephew, You will be very close to our hearts, today and always. May God take care of you in heaven. Love you and miss you - Aunt Veronica, Uncle Hector, cousins - Annabel and David Corralejo.

Anabel V Corralejo, San Antonio, Texas, March 10, 2010

Uncle Alex and Jennifer my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. Desiree and Nathan my prayers to you cousins. May your memories bring wonderful images of family times that where spend together. I rememeber when we where young how all the cousins got together and play at grandmas house, we made a mess but we laugh and had soo much fun. Also how we all got sent to summer school when we where young, we stucked together in a group but lucky us it only lasted a week.
AJ, you will be missed by many people and your smile will linger with us for a long time. My prayer for you cousin, may your soul rest in peace and God Bless!

Michelle Perez, Aidan Adkins, William and Hilda Perez, San Antonio, Texas, March 10, 2010,

Alex, Jennifer, Devin and the entire family, my heart has been weighing real heavy since I heard the news. My thoughs and prayers are with each and every one of you during this time. May God guard your hearts and fill it with nothing but the wonderful memories of your beloved son, stepson, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson, and friend. Know that the Lord has his arms around him in heaven. God Bless All of you!

With Our Deepest Condolences,

Alexander Mimun, March 10, 2010

To my lovely son AJ. I love you so much and will miss your smile every time you walked up to me. I love you so much AJ, my life will never be the same without you AJ, I miss you AJ, we will meet again son.