Beauty From Ashes: Loss To Purpos

Desiree Monique was born on July 12, 2003. She was deeply loved by her family and her small circle of friends. Desiree had a warm spirit and a curious heart. She wasn’t afraid to try new things and enjoyed discovering different foods and experiences.

When she was younger, some of her favorite memories were the weekends she spent at her grandmother’s house. The two of them loved watching their favorite cooking channel together especially Guy Fieri. Those simple moments brought them so much joy. Desiree also loved to swim the ocean was her favorite place, and she had a fearless spirit often swimming far out where I could barely see her anymore. 

She loved ramen and had a sense of adventure when it came to food. One of her dreams was to travel to Japan one day and experience the culture and foods she admired. Desiree also loved watching anime, which was another way she connected with the culture she hoped to explore one day. 

Desiree also enjoyed spending time at the park, walking our dogs. Spending time at the park, we would always see dogs without owners wandering the park. She would get the dogs and put them in my truck, and we'd take them to the shelter. She had such a big heart.

Desiree had a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that was contagious. Although she quietly faced her own mental health struggles, she always found a way to lift others up and make them feel seen and cared for.

In the early morning of March 31st, I walked into Desiree's room calling out her name like I usually had done before, however this time there was no response. The room was dark and it wasn't until I switched the light on that my worst nightmare would begin to unfold before my eyes. Desiree passed away that morning after ingesting half of a pill that contained enough fentanyl to kill 9 people. A parent's worst nightmare, to walk into your child's room only to find them unresponsive my heart truly goes out to every parent who has experienced this tragedy.

That same day, Desiree was supposed to start a new job. She had washed her clothes the night before, leaving them in the dryer to get in the morning so she would be ready for her first day. It was a small moment that showed her hope for the future and the life she was still building.

Desiree’s love, laughter, and the memories she created with those who knew her will forever live in our hearts. Though she is no longer with us, she will always be remembered, deeply loved, and never forgotten. This picture was taken 11/2022