Amanda Llorens

Throughout my life, there have been moments I've imprinted on my brain and heart forever.  During each of those moments, I've closed my eyes tight to take a mental picture.  I store those memories in a special place I access when the first colors of fall fill my eyes, during the quiet moments I spend alone, and in the middle of the night when I cuddle my children back to sleep. It's there that I hold the last hug I shared with my father before he died, the 10 shades of green on the first hill I laid eyes on in Ireland during a trip with my parents, the moment I realized I was in love with Ash, the first time I locked eyes with Noah, and the car ride to the hospital minutes before meeting Maya where all I could think about was how beautiful life is. Over the weekend, our family took a tour of the White House, and I stood in front of the Oval Office with each of my children.  Looking in at the President's desk, I squeezed my eyes extra tight thinking about how much I love Ash, Noah