To our beloved Tía Nelly,
We continue to celebrate the gift of life, a precious blessing that is delicate, fragile, and vulnerable. I have always said that I have many mothers, each holding a special place in my heart. Before I knew I was adopted, Tía Nelly—whom I lovingly referred to as "Mommy"—was my mother, and Amanda was an extension of her, her daughter.
I arrived in the beautiful neighborhood of "La Base" in Cali, Colombia when I was 18 months old, and I lived until I departed for a flight to New York in 1984. The best years of my formative childhood were spent under Tía Nelly's protection and love. I truly feel blessed to have lived there during those early years. Those memories are treasures in my heart, and I carry them with me every day. I owe so much to Tía Nelly for nurturing me during that time.
I had the privilege of seeing you in April 2025. Now, Tía Nelly, you are reunited with my wonderful mom, Bertha Veloza, whom I miss dearly; my grandmother, Georgina Ávila; Amanda García, your beautiful daughter; and my brother, José de la Cruz Trujillo. I find comfort in knowing that you are all together, watching over us.
May you rest in peace, and thank you for being my Tía Nelly. I love you, Andreita. This message is also from my husband, Alex, who shares these feelings and holds you always in our hearts.
Additionally, my father, Silvano Veloza, loved my mom and you very much. He is greatly saddened by the news but finds solace in knowing that you are now with her, and that you are reunited with my brother and beloved family members. He takes comfort in knowing that you are resting happily with your beautiful family, together forever.
A nuestra querida Tía Nelly,
Continuamos celebrando el regalo de la vida, un precioso don que es delicado, frágil y vulnerable. Siempre he dicho que tengo muchas madres, cada una ocupando un lugar especial en mi corazón. Antes de saber que fui adoptado, Tía Nelly— a quien cariñosamente me refería como "mami"— fue mi madre, y Amanda era una extensión de ella, su hija.
Llegué al hermoso vecindario de La Base en Cali, Colombia cuando tenía 18 meses, y viví allí hasta que partí en un vuelo a Nueva York en 1984. Los mejores años de mi infancia formativa los pasé bajo la protección y el amor de Tía Nelly. Me siento verdaderamente bendecido de haber vivido allí durante esos primeros años. Esos recuerdos son tesoros en mi corazón, y los llevo conmigo todos los días. Le debo tanto a Tía Nelly por cuidarme durante ese tiempo.
Tuve el privilegio de verte en abril de 2025. Ahora, Tía Nelly, estás reunida con mi maravillosa mamá, Bertha Veloza, a quien extraño mucho; mi abuela, Georgina Ávila; Amanda García, tu hermosa hija; y mi hermano, José de la Cruz Trujillo. Encuentro consuelo al saber que todos ustedes están juntos, velando por nosotros.
Que descanses en paz, y gracias por ser mi Tía Nelly. Te amo, Andreita. Este mensaje también es de mi esposo, Alex, quien comparte estos sentimientos y siempre te lleva en nuestros corazones.
Igualmente, mi padre, Silvano Veloza, amaba mucho a mi mamá y a ti. Está muy triste por la noticia, pero encuentra consuelo al saber que ahora estás con ella, y que estás reunida con mi hermano y los queridos miembros de la familia. Se siente aliviado al saber que estás descansando felizmente con tu hermosa familia, juntos para siempre.
To our beloved Tía Nelly,
We continue to celebrate the gift of life, a precious blessing that is delicate, fragile, and vulnerable. I have always said that I have many mothers, each holding a special place in my heart. Before I knew I was adopted, Tía Nelly—whom I lovingly referred to as "Mommy"—was my mother, and Amanda was an extension of her, her daughter.
I arrived in the beautiful neighborhood of "La Base" in Cali, Colombia when I was 18 months old, and I lived until I departed for a flight to New York in 1984. The best years of my formative childhood were spent under Tía Nelly's protection and love. I truly feel blessed to have lived there during those early years. Those memories are treasures in my heart, and I carry them with me every day. I owe so much to Tía Nelly for nurturing me during that time.
I had the privilege of seeing you in April 2025. Now, Tía Nelly, you are reunited with my wonderful mom, Bertha Veloza, whom I miss dearly; my grandmother, Georgina Ávila; Amanda García, your beautiful daughter; and my brother, José de la Cruz Trujillo. I find comfort in knowing that you are all together, watching over us.
May you rest in peace, and thank you for being my Tía Nelly. I love you, Andreita. This message is also from my husband, Alex, who shares these feelings and holds you always in our hearts.
Equally important, my father, Silvano Veloza, loved my mom and you very much. He is greatly saddened by the news but finds solace in knowing that you are now with her, and that you are reunited with my brother and beloved family members. He takes comfort in knowing that you are resting happily with your beautiful family, together forever.
