Dear No one in particular from my childhood,

Growing up consisted of lots of moving around. Both of my parents were in the military (Navy), so once we moved from Hawaii to California, I can’t tell you how many different places we lived in Cali. I remember going to three schools, Kindercare, Kirkwood Private Christian and Lewis Elementary. With all the moving, I really didn’t get that opportunity to build those early childhood friendships, but I surprisingly have a good handful of memories of friends from all three of those schools that at times I wonder, where you guys are now.

We moved to Arizona when I was in 3rd, and ended up going to Goodman from 3-5th grade. 6th grade was split between San Marcos and Stevenson. 7th Grade was split between Fremont and Queen Creek and come High School, I finally spent 4 consecutive years at one school, Hamilton High School.

Now don’t get me wrong, I had an amazing childhood and though I may have not ‘grown up’ with friends from early school years, I think I’ve gained some pretty amazing friends over the years that molded my childhood and my memories and thankfully with all the social media outlets, I think that’s how I truly made my mark in keeping touch with people, as it was truly the only way when you move so much. All the way from my Kindercare crush Jason Ishibashi (whom I have to tell you I was reunited with via my Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Trish, on Facebook), to that first kiss and boyfriend, Russell Chamness, to one of my best friend in high school Marty Weirs for driving me home everyday til I had a car, to a plethora of others I could go on and on about. For what it’s worth I thank all of you I’ve grown up and around for contributing to my life. My thought has always been… if I can’t gain anything emotionally, physically or financially then why are even associated. Sounds harsh but it’s true and I’m grateful to say those I’ve chosen to keep a part of my life growing up have done all three.

Thank you <3

Dear Sisters

Dear Sisters,

Faith & I

Savanna & I

I thought I would write you both a letter because we are equally the same distance in age, 16 years and both have unique stories. I know sometimes it may be difficult for us to be super close as I would like, either due to distance or circumstances, know I love you both equally and unconditionally.

Savanna – you have no idea the day you were born I was super stoked. Finally I wasn’t going to be the ‘only’ child. Though it was a lil rough because I was the built in babysitter and we didn’t get to grow up doing a lot of things together, I’d still like to think of us as pretty close. We may have different dads, different hair color but it never will change the bond we have. I’ll never forget getting looks from people and getting asked if you were ‘mine’ lol. Um no. I’m too young for babies but it was a compliment. You’ve always been a lil fiery red head with an attitude but you’re my fiery red headed sister with soo much ambition, smarts and I see some pretty amazing things to come for you.

Faith –the day you were officially adopted I was soo excited. From the moment I met you, I knew you were a lil ‘older’ for your age. You grew up fast, and had this grown up demeanor about you, and I think that’s why you and I clicked so quickly and had the sister connection right away. You’ve always been such a sassy one and definitely one to be reckoned with come your high school years, I’m sure of it. Don’t ever let anyone tell you, you can’t or won’t be able to do anything- because you’re a product of what a lil determination can bring. I don’t think we realized at the moment we were missing a piece of the puzzle, but when you came into this family it the puzzle was complete.

I love you sisters both more than you will know and I hope that you will always think of me as not only the ‘cool sister’ but the sister you can come to, no matter what. I want you to know I’m always here for the both of you any time you need to talk, shed some tears, or whatever. I can’t wait to see the two of you graduate and grow up to be absolutely beautiful woman. I hope I’m a good role model to you both and able to teach you some lessons for you to take with you and too heart.

Thank you for keeping me young at heart and always showing me that even though there’s a considerable age gap, I’m not too old to call your sister or relate with.

Love your big sister,

Star Padilla

Dear Mom, Dad and my second mom,

Dear Mom, Dad and my second mom –

This is probably going to be a lil hard for me to fully express how appreciative I am for all three of you.

Mom I think you question or stress so much if you are doing the right thing or that you weren’t able or aren’t able to help me as much as you can and I know you help me as much as you possibly can when you can, and for that I thank you . Thank you for being the best mom, and helping me grow into the woman I am today. Thank you for teaching me to be a lil more outspoken, god knows I’m not a vocal one and you are and it’s finally starting to rub off on me in my adult years. I hope you understand that I believe you have made a beautiful, smart  woman, that can do anything she sets her mind to, because her mom taught her to believe in herself. I want to commend you on raising me – I know I’ve probably tested your patience a time or two, but you were always there for me. Thank you for always keeping that door open for anytime I needed talk. You’re not only my mom but a best friend.

Dad you are definitely one of my biggest role models. Always wanting to give me more than you ever were given… I want you to know, that even though you couldn’t always physically be there, due to work / military obligations I have never thought you were any less active in my life. You have helped me financially, mentally and emotionally more than I can ever express thanks for. I feel blessed to have such a father like you because I know that you truly are one in a million and not everyone gets the experience that I have had. You area  big part of the reason why I am the way I am today. The best advice you ever gave me that will forever stick with me was “Look where you’re going, not where you’ve been”. At the time you meant it in a literal sense, but as I grew older those words spoke in a larger scope of my life. Thank you Dad for always being my encouragement, my strength, my white knight – I will always be your “baby”.

And to my step-mom, April, whom I would call my second mother. Where do I start to explain how blessed I am to have you in my life. You’ve been absolutely amazing. I’ve shared some of my deepest conversations and secrets with you, my emotions and tears and you’ve been nothing but supportive since day 1. I do consider my dad to be quite the catch and anyone to have him should be lucky, but just as so, he’s absolutely lucky to have an amazing wife such as you. Your patience is indescribable – and I will never be able to fully express my gratitude for you. I’ve inherited an amazing family via you. Thank you for EVERYTHING, and though that maybe a vague statement I truly mean EVERYTHING.

If it weren’t for the three of you, I wouldn’t have been molded into who I am today. I am forever grateful and blessed to able to call myself, your daughter.

Love you all,

Star aka “your baby girl”