Victoria Gabriella Balderama Centeno, You made Her Happy.

Class of 2011

Jeannette adored Tori.  They had a special bond.  One day long ago, Tori was spending time in Fresno for the summer.  I had picked her up in Corcoran and she was to spend one week in Fresno with me.  It was 2007, and it just so happened that Jeannette had come to Fresno for a visit. This was very exciting news for Tori because she loved Jeannette so much.  I made sure to pick up Bianca at my daughter Diana's house so that Tori had somebody her own age to hang out with and have fun.  I had plans to take the girls to the movies and out to lunch when all of a sudden Jeannette drove up in her new SUV with music blaring.  I ran outside to greet her.  She looked absolutely stunning.  Such a beautiful young mother.  She always had the latest styles going on.  She jumped off her car and ran straight into my arms.  I was so happy to see her.  Tori and Bianca hugged her too.  Jeannette sat down on the living room couch and talked to Tori and Bianca. One of the questions she asked Tori was if she had her new school clothes ready for school to start.  Tori, has always had a shy personality and is soft spoken so when Jeannette asked her that question, she mumbled a little tiny "no".  That put Jeannette loving brain into action.  She announced that she was taking Tori and Bianca to River park and Fashion Fair on a shopping spree.  I wanted to tag along but Jeannette said, "No, Ma, you rest here cause we are gonna do alot of walking."  I did stay and managed to catch up on my house chores while they were gone.  OMG, when they returned home there was piles of bags being put on top of my couch.  Tori was so excited to show me everything.  I sat there in amazement looking at all the nice clothes, shoes, handbags, etc.  Bianca showed me her things too. Both girls were hugging Jeannette as they talked a mile a minute about all the fun they had.  Tori went home back to Clayton, California and back to school wearing all that Jeannette had bought her. 
When the news of Jeannette having breast cancer filtered throughout our family, friends and relatives it made it's way to Clayton and into the lovely home where Tori sat in her room reading her book.  Her mother, Donna, told her the devastating news.  Tori took it very hard but made a vow that she would graduate high school and go on to college and make her cousin, Jeannette so very proud of her.  That's the kind of person Tori is.  She has the sweetest way about her, just like Jeannette.  A kind heart just like her father, (RIP) Victor Centeno.  She is very blessed to have an awesome mother like my sis, Donna.  I pray that Tori continues to follow her dreams and reach all the goals she has set out to.  She is young, beautiful and smart.  Just like my Nettle Poodle.