By Terra Avilla
Twelve years ago, I remember seeing Reina sitting in the bleachers at baseball games. She was a DeLeon back then, watching one of the boys play. Daylen. He was Hawaiian. Full of heart and goodness. But more importantly, he was ridiculously in love with her.
He loved her so much that he moved here for her and created the most beautiful family you’ve ever seen. If that doesn’t tell you how powerful Reina is, I don’t know what will.
We fell in love with Daylen instantly. Frankie and I think about him as one of our sons. And because Daylen became our son, Reina naturally became a big part of our lives.
From that day forward she has woven herself into each of our lives in ways you can only be blessed to experience.
Reina is a girl’s girl. The type that roots for other girls and women. But also, the type that will step in there and throw down when it needs to be done. She will defend YOU and your honor till her last breath.
She’s a mom. But Reina is also a MOM’s MOM. What more can you say about a person? She’s the one that you know will send you a text that says “Hey! I’ll take Pearl home from dance,” or “Let me grab your girls on my way,” or “June Bug can sleep at my house if you need” and “Here are pictures of your kids and the function you couldn’t make it to, but I hugged them for you.”
It doesn’t seem like a lot until you’re a mother that needs those favors. And she does it all with grace.
She does ALL OF THIS AND MORE. She’s keeping her own kids busy with baseball, dance, and school functions – you name it. And still volunteers, shows up and is there for everyone else.
Whether it be at a school function or a baseball game. You can bet that she will be there smiling and taking care of everyone while looking fabulous. How does she do it? I honestly don’t know.
She’s strong as they come but don’t let that fool you, she is beautiful inside and out. My life here in Susanville is better because of Reina. My kid’s lives here in Susanville are better because of Reina.
She shows us every day that it’s not where you live… it’s who you surround yourself with that makes a town great. And that is why we love living here. Because of amazing people like Reina Pajimola.
