April 6, 2023 changed my life forever. 

It has been one year since Mike’s accident, and I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who offered support to me and my family following the accident.  Words cannot describe the how much your kind words, prayers, presence,  meals, gift cards ect. supported me and my family during the hardest time in my life.  I found this letter below that I would like to share as it truly describes this past year and how my UTSA familia rallied around to support me in my darkest days.

An Open Thank you Letter to the Person Who Helped Me Through Hard Times:

Thank you, for loving me through all of my ups and downs. For being my rock when I had no ground to stand on. For the light you gave me on the days I had all but run out of my own.

When I had no stars left to wish upon and nothing to hold on to, you held out a lantern for me.

When I had nothing to believe in, you believed in me.

Thank you for helping me see past the pain I thought would blind me.

Thank you for loving me when I couldn’t love myself. 

Thank you, for the moments you made me forget for a while, and for the nights you pulled me through. For teaching me how to laugh again. For proving it’s safe to cry. 

You couldn't take away my pain or take my steps for me, but my suffering has been less with you by my side.

The tears I cried you couldn't cry for me, but at the beginning and in the end, you've been a friend to me.

When I reached a new low, you took my hand. You reached into my soul and put some peace there. You held on and you haven't let go. Even though sometimes, still, I have nothing to give.

You gave me a priceless gift I could never repay. You gave me life and love, and something to hold on to. And with all of that, someday, I hope to return some version of the strength I borrowed from you.

Until then, thank you.

Thank you for being who you’ve been to me.  Thank you for being. Thank you, for you.

Last week we were blessed and honored to meet all of Mike’s first responders who saved his life that night.  We spoke to them about his injuries, his recovery and provided them a small token of our appreciation, dinner, and a guardian angel pendant.  They were grateful to hear that he is making his way back and that their work did not go unnoticed.  It lifted a load off their shoulders to hear he survived and provided them closure as well as a happy ending.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Con Amor,

Angie

Angelica M. Barrera, M.S.

Associate Vice Provost for Student-Athlete Retention & Excellence

The University of Texas at San Antonio

(210) 458-6517

RACE 2.152

One UTSA Circle

San Antonio, TX 78249-3209

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