Iliana Maria Diaz
Let me tell you a little bit about my mom, Isabel “Titi” Cardenas.
She wasn’t just a family person — she was an animal lover through and through. And I mean any animal. Cows, goats, horses, chickens, ducks — you name it, she loved it.
My mom was so generous and unselfish. For two years, she rode with me to the University of Miami so I wouldn’t have to make that drive back from Coral Gables to Carol City all by myself — with baby Jesse in his stroller the whole time. But between you and me, I think she might’ve also gone for the free cookies and cakes the cafeteria ladies would slip her before we left.
And speaking of sweets — oh, we all knew about Mom’s sweet tooth. She’d trade a piece of chicken for a flan faster than you could blink! She wasn’t just my carpool buddy, either; she was my partner in crime.
We’d make little trips to the humane society or pet shops, “just to look,” and somehow end up bringing home cats. Then we’d tell Dad we “found” them — under the car tires or maybe hiding in the engine at school.
Thank you for Fifi, Oreo, Baby, and all those “Margaritas” who somehow found their way home with us :) Thank you for all the silliness, all the sayings, your sense of human, that many didn't know you had, and the sweetest memories — cookies and all.
Mami, you made life full of love, laughter, and so many, many memories. You will never be forgotten. Heaven is lucky to have you!
