We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Abigail Rose Fiala. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. As we plan virtual and in person gatherings, we will share details here. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
Abby, an incredible and inspiring woman in so many ways, has left a sparkling mark on this world and all those who knew her. She lives on through her mother Ruth, her father Ron, her brother Chris, her sister-in-law Marie, and all of her loving and dear friends and family who supported her throughout her life. As we are all so heartbroken over Abby‘s shortened life, please share stories and photos of your memories and love here to... see moreAbby, an incredible and inspiring woman in so many ways, has left a sparkling mark on this world and all those who knew her. She lives on through her mother Ruth, her father Ron, her brother Chris, her sister-in-law Marie, and all of her loving and dear friends and family who supported her throughout her life. As we are all so heartbroken over Abby‘s shortened life, please share stories and photos of your memories and love here to commemorate the life of our beautiful Abby.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a donation to Foundation to Decrease WorldSuck, which was a cause near and dear to Abby’s heart.
As, Marie's "Book Club Family", we didn't know Abby well, but we have loved and appreciated stories of Abby and her eyeliner. For me personally, she made me more aware, sensitive, and supportive. Her story helped make me a better person, and I think Book... moreAs, Marie's "Book Club Family", we didn't know Abby well, but we have loved and appreciated stories of Abby and her eyeliner. For me personally, she made me more aware, sensitive, and supportive. Her story helped make me a better person, and I think Book Club feels the same.
Warm memories of cousins and our young families together once a year or so to have the most fun we can. The times we spent together are priceless, the bonds lasting to this day. Your sweet little face rounded out the gang pf cousins perfectly. As you... moreWarm memories of cousins and our young families together once a year or so to have the most fun we can. The times we spent together are priceless, the bonds lasting to this day. Your sweet little face rounded out the gang pf cousins perfectly. As you grew your creativity began to show. I was always impressed with your talents, music, photography, baking, no matter what, your creative mind blossomed. I was happy and relieved when you found the Abigail within you and hoped this would be everything you needed to get through. You hold a sweet, dear and special place in my heart forever. I love you Abby, may you rest in peace. less
Not necessarily a comfort, but a beautiful truth. :
To Love What Death Can Touch
‘Tis a fearful thing
to love what death can touch.
A fearful thing
to love, to hope, to dream, to be –
to be,
And oh, to lose.
A thing for fools, this,
And a holy... moreNot necessarily a comfort, but a beautiful truth. :
To Love What Death Can Touch
‘Tis a fearful thing
to love what death can touch.
A fearful thing
to love, to hope, to dream, to be –
to be,
And oh, to lose.
A thing for fools, this,
And a holy thing,
a holy thing
to love.
For your life has lived in me,
your laugh once lifted me,
your word was gift to me.
To remember this brings painful joy.
‘Tis a human thing, love,
a holy thing, to love
what death has touched.
by Yehuda HaLevi (1075 – 1141)
(a jewish physician) less
It has been about two weeks since I found out you had left the planet, and it is true, it does not get any easier. I pray that you are now at peace, and I pray that somehow and some way your family and friends may somehow find some sort of peace... moreAbby,
It has been about two weeks since I found out you had left the planet, and it is true, it does not get any easier. I pray that you are now at peace, and I pray that somehow and some way your family and friends may somehow find some sort of peace as well one day. You will be forever missed in so many ways. I will always remember you as my kind, easy going, intelligent, creative, fun, beautiful baby cousin. Holidays and birthday parties at Bak and Grandpa’s house were always sprinkled with your latest interests and hobbies, whether it was playing the trumpet, baking decadent pastries, showing us the first ever iPod, or playing Cranium. Some of the best Christmas Day memories are of running around with you in Uncle Johnny’s basement playing hide and seek with the other cousins, hoping to make it to safety on the green carpet. It warmed my heart when Siena got to meet you last summer, and I could tell you loved her from the way you looked at her. She will know you through stories and memories, and we will all miss you with all our hearts, I hope you know. Please tell Bak, Grandpa and Uncle Johnny hi for us, and I hope you’re up there with them right now having some Hansen sodas, Bon Bons, and Pringles under a big beautiful grape arbor watching fireworks. Love you so much, Cousin.
I was absolutely devastated when I saw on Instagram that Abby had passed. We hadn’t really been in touch besides social media in many years, and I’m so sorry I never got to know her as Abby, as she really seemed to blossom into herself these last few... moreI was absolutely devastated when I saw on Instagram that Abby had passed. We hadn’t really been in touch besides social media in many years, and I’m so sorry I never got to know her as Abby, as she really seemed to blossom into herself these last few years. I was able to find these pictures from our 8th grade trip to Washington DC, where we really connected. (I was always the photographer, never in the pictures!) I have such fond memories of this trip. Abby wore cargo shorts the entire time, even though it was a particularly cold spring! She was always so nice, smart, and thoughtful. I’ll always remember that. My deepest condolences to her immediately family and close friends. This is such a tragic loss. less
I had the privilege of not only working with Abby in a professional level in the lab, but knowing her as both Greg and Abby.
She was an amazing worker, an asset to Microbiology as well as the Pathology department. She was a major key person that helped... moreI had the privilege of not only working with Abby in a professional level in the lab, but knowing her as both Greg and Abby.
She was an amazing worker, an asset to Microbiology as well as the Pathology department. She was a major key person that helped implement Beaker, our new computer system in the laboratory. Whenever anyone had issues with the computer system or specimens, she was a go to person that would help resolve the problems or answer questions. She was very intelligent and well respected. The last time I spoke to her, I asked her if she would train me in Micro if and when we are to cross train in her department. She smiled and said of course.
On personal notes and memories, I enjoyed our conversations of music. We both were in our high school marching bands (not together, as I am much older). I shared my stories of band camp. That's when I discovered that Greg was such a multi-talented musician. He had encouraged me to find my flute and start playing it again. I eventually found it, but it was rusted was in need of a lot of repair. He said to look for a new one. I looked, but never bought a new one. I feel it's time to look again, as I am reminded of how much joy playing a musical instrument gives.
We shared funny conversations about make up. I told her she won't get any real help from her mom. My daughter has the same problem. Both Ruth and I don't wear make up, so Abby and my daughter had to go elsewhere for cosmetic advice. The internet was a good source. I was always so tickled when Ruth would post her painted toenails on social media. The only time my toes were painted, was when my daughter painted them. Mother daughter time was and is so important, and now even more precious.
Abby and I not only had similar tastes in dresses, but a costume one time. One Halloween, we both dress up as poop! Such nerd humor!
I recently bought a new dress I thought Abby would like, in her memory and honor. I will think of her whenever I wear it.
A day doesn't go by that I don't think of Abby. My heart breaks with Ruth, Ron, Chris, her family and friends. I take solace that she is no longer in pain.
She is so missed, but I will always remember her beautiful smile, her funny laugh, being the Micro queen, music, dresses, painted toenails, and poop.
Rest in peace dear Abigail Rose. less
Erin Wert
Been thinking of all the people who knew her in the lab. I met some of her coworkers while I worked in the ICU, and everyone was so nice. She loved her job, and we loved talking about poop
Amelie SimmonsErin, I first met Abby when Ruth brought her to the lab after graduation. Greg wanted to see if this is what he wanted to do as a potential career. I showed him Hematology. I was thinking, I hope he decides to become one of us and work here. If he's... moreErin, I first met Abby when Ruth brought her to the lab after graduation. Greg wanted to see if this is what he wanted to do as a potential career. I showed him Hematology. I was thinking, I hope he decides to become one of us and work here. If he's anything like his mom, he will be an asset to Pathology. Little did I know, that (having worked at Saint John's 30+ years as a seasoned Med Tech) I would be asking this young person to train me in her department. That was my last conversation with Abby on her last day of work. That was how important she was to the lab! And yes, only a medical nerd would enjoy discussing and find humor with poop. less
Dear Abby, I never had the opportunity to meet you but I knew your mom from MDA/EL PORTAL Camps in the late 70’s. I have wonderful memories of your mom singing harmony around the campfires. Her spirit was guided by kindness and I knew she would make a... moreDear Abby, I never had the opportunity to meet you but I knew your mom from MDA/EL PORTAL Camps in the late 70’s. I have wonderful memories of your mom singing harmony around the campfires. Her spirit was guided by kindness and I knew she would make a great mom. How lucky you were to be raised in such a happy and loving home. Rest In Peace Abby and watch out for all of us left behind. less
I knew Abby for 8 years. There were a lot of memories and photos and messages and notes to go through, but it's been bringing me comfort and clarity in the past week to do so. This post has many of the over 300 photos I've found on my phone and on... moreI knew Abby for 8 years. There were a lot of memories and photos and messages and notes to go through, but it's been bringing me comfort and clarity in the past week to do so. This post has many of the over 300 photos I've found on my phone and on twitter and instagram with her, as well as a chronological journey of our friendship, good and bad. I loved her so much, and I will always miss her. I am so grateful I got to know her, and especially grateful that she survived her addiction long enough to be able to explore her gender identity and transition into life as Abigail Rose. She was a beautiful, generous, kind, loving friend. https://medium.com/@erinwert/abigail-rose-fiala-f1ef945fd346less
Abby, over the last week I’ve been going through all our pictures from over the years and I’m so grateful to have had a friend like you. I remember you caught my eye my freshman year in marching band not just because I thought you were cute, but... moreAbby, over the last week I’ve been going through all our pictures from over the years and I’m so grateful to have had a friend like you. I remember you caught my eye my freshman year in marching band not just because I thought you were cute, but because there was a kindness in your spirit that I was drawn to. I remember the summer before my sophomore year, we started to become friends and I can’t even express how excited I was the first time you wrote on my Facebook wall. Back then that was the clearest mark of a friendship there was. It still kind of amazes me how close our friend group was back then, but then again we did spend almost every moment we could together. I will always remember after one football game, we had decided to pack up the marching band truck as fast as we could and time it (because that’s how nerdy we were). I was riding in Josh’s car and we were trying to race you back to SAMO and you turned so fast into that not-so-secret alleyway behind the hotel that took you to the SAMO entrance. We literally ran with all the marimbas and vibes down the hill to the band room, all the while drum harnesses were stacked on top of us as high as possible, laughing and screaming the entire time. We got the truck unpacked in like 10 minutes.
I remember somehow we both got into Grizzly Bear and Knife was our favorite song. You burned the whole CD for me and I listened to that album the entire drive to Arizona on my way to a guard competition. Miraculously, we got tickets to see them live at Disney Hall and we went with Ethan. We had a little moment at intermission that was so sweet out in the garden. We never really talked about it after. The day after you got back from Europe, we drove to the free rehearsal at Disney Hall to see Gustavo Dudamel rehearse Symphonie Fantastique even though you were probably crazy jet lagged. That's how dedicated of a friend you were.
I’ll never be able to watch or listen to SCV’s Ballet for Martha without thinking of you. The Glee 3D movie premiere was one of the craziest nights ever and I’m so happy you’re part of that memory and that you documented it. I loved that you got Tumblr famous from that picture and it launched your YouTube channel. I’m so grateful that channel exists. I watched almost all your videos last week and it felt like spending time with you again.
I wish I knew Abby as well as I knew Greg. What I did learn about you, Abby, in the last few years was that you were so open about your journey. I’ve always seen that as your strength and will be honoring you by sharing that same vulnerability with the people in my life.
I’m leaving this video of you from Percussion Ensemble because Big Country truly encompasses what I felt about our entire friend group and the times we shared together. It’s so beautiful and joyful and simple. It’s fitting that you led that piece. I’m sending love to your whole family, to Jessica, and all your friends. We are all so lucky to be able to love you. less
I’m certainly not the first person to compare someone’s life to a candle, but my nephew Abby was a wonderful candle whose flame glowed brightly and added to all the other lights of the family hearth.
What great times we had at Bak & Grandpa’s... moreI’m certainly not the first person to compare someone’s life to a candle, but my nephew Abby was a wonderful candle whose flame glowed brightly and added to all the other lights of the family hearth.
What great times we had at Bak & Grandpa’s house all those years. Your flame, along with all of ours created many warm and bright holidays, birthdays, Christmases, and summer barbeques! Many small flickering candles together created one great, bright glowing fountain of light.
The most recent time you came to our house was for Draco’s first birthday last summer. It was great to see our growing and changing family all together and to see you holding your little cousin Siena in your arms.
I’m also not the first one to use the simile “like a candle in the wind”, (Millennials please YouTube "Elton John"). It especially strikes me now how precarious a candle in the wind is, how fragile it is in that environment and how easily its flame can be blown out. I’m sorry you ended up in the wind. I’m sorry for your mom and dad and brother. The warm glow of the family hearth is that much dimmer without your light.
Dear Abby, a couple of hours ago marked a week that I found out about your passing. It hurts me so much because you were just starting to be who you truly were Abigail Rose. No more lying or pretending to be a person you never truly were comfortable... moreDear Abby, a couple of hours ago marked a week that I found out about your passing. It hurts me so much because you were just starting to be who you truly were Abigail Rose. No more lying or pretending to be a person you never truly were comfortable being. I was helping to get you out of your comfort zone. I was taking you out to do things you’d never thought you’d do like, dancing on stage or inside a cage in front of hundreds of people, singing karaoke songs with our crazy lovable friends and being more open minded and speaking up for what you believe in. We supported the BLM movement together and I can’t wait to tell my future students how involved we were fighting for social justice and equality. I remember how you redeemed your racist words you more than once told me. I forgave you for that, forgive and forget right, yes. Regardless this memorial page is about you and our memories. On May 1, 2020 at 10:14pm you told me, “I had no self growth from from 24 to 28 and now I'm becoming more comfortable with myself“ -Abby. It pains me to think that you have just started being yourself your true self and you didn’t get to experience more self growth being yourself. On the other hand, I am glad to say that in those years you were your true self I was there to support your growth. I forgave you many hard things because I loved you. I also witnessed how you began to be more comfortable as Abby and I am thankful for that. You said you loved that I didn’t care what others thought and that I lived for the moment unapologetically without caring what others thought, you even called me a bad ass Bi**h on your last Instagram post. The first time I saw you, you caught my eye because of how brave and beautiful you were. I loved how true you looked and how radiant you were in your confidence that you claimed you did not have. You said I caught your eye because of how outgoing, carefree and open/friendly I was to others. I thank you once again for showing me true love. Even though our time together was short lived we did so much together. We were engaged and I will always cherish that. True love has no time limit, like we said “when you know, you know.” We went on trips together and partied together. But more importantly we shared our bond over our baby. Now you are both together in heaven and I wish I’d be there too. You Abby gave me a second chance in life and I will forever be grateful for that. These past two and a half weeks have been overwhelming for me. You were there for me to help me come back to life. I hate that I wasn’t able to be with you when you needed that chance too and repay you for that gift you gave me. I asked you once if the paramedics did the right thing on reviving me, you said, “Yes they did do the right thing in reviving you! I know things are hard right now but they will get better, If you're not happy and don't like your life you can change it.” Abby. Aug. 20, 2020 (8:35pm-8:37pm) If I’d known that I was going to have to face all of this and feel all this hurt and guilt, I wish the paramedics would’ve been late for me too. I miss you so much Abby and we all have fond memories of you that will last forever. I am just grateful I was there as your lover in part of your life’s story. I wish we could have done more but unfortunately it is impossible. I will forever have you in my heart and memories since you brought and gave me both love and hurt but I know that love overpowered it all. I know you are finally at peace relaxing from the toxicity of this world and in a place where you are happy and comfortable being your own true self. That thought comforts me and makes me feel better but know you will always be in my prayers and in my heart.
We gave this bracelet to you when we had the pleasure of meeting the new you, Abby Rose. May your journey continue.
I can barely write this without getting choked up but I know we will see you again. Miss you, Dee Dee
I had the honor and privilege of being a coworker and friend to Abby.
She was well trusted and respected in the lab where we worked, as the quality of work she brought was exceptional.
I am grateful for her giving us the opportunity to witness her... moreI had the honor and privilege of being a coworker and friend to Abby.
She was well trusted and respected in the lab where we worked, as the quality of work she brought was exceptional.
I am grateful for her giving us the opportunity to witness her courage and strength in living life authentically. A courageousness that proved to be influential in my very own life.
May those who shared time with Abby be warmed by remembering those moments despite her brevity of life. My admiration of her will forever be imprinted in me.
In my deepest sincerity, my heart goes out to you Ruth, and the rest of your family.
Warmly,
Nancy G
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A shared moment with Abby:
One moment I do remember with Abby was when we were walking to our cars after work one night. She was sharing with me how she majored in Chemistry at University. I told her how impressed I was of that and how I thought it was such a coincidence that Ruth also majored in Chemistry (made sense both are geniuses). To which Abby replied "Yes, we both did. I'm like a little Ruth." Her response brought me the biggest smiles. less
On behalf of the CSU Dominguez Hills Anthropology Club I would like to share a few words and condolences that student members and some of our professors would like to say to Abby who left this world too soon.
It is with great hurt that we say goodbye... moreOn behalf of the CSU Dominguez Hills Anthropology Club I would like to share a few words and condolences that student members and some of our professors would like to say to Abby who left this world too soon.
It is with great hurt that we say goodbye to one of our Anthropology club members. Abby was gone too soon but her love and sweetness will be remembered forever. Thank you for being a part of our club and part of our community. Thank you for the time you spent with us and may you be in a better place. Rest in Peace Abby. - Love, the Anthropology Club
Your bright smiles and kindness will be greatly missed. It’s hard to realize that you’re not here with us anymore, but we know that your spirit lives on. We won’t forget. Until we meet again, Abby. Rest in Paradise. - Michelle
Abby, I didn’t know you very well & only saw you occasionally alongside with Jessica. However, in those few moments we interacted, I could tell that you had a soft heart & your smile never went unnoticed. I’ve known Jessica for about a year & was witness to the growth that you helped her with. I could tell she loved you & I could tell she was happy. I’d like to take this moment to say thank you for making my friend happy & for helping her awaken the positivity that lives in her. My only regret is not having the opportunity to get to know you better. Know that Jessica is left with good friends with big hearts that will help fill the void, I hope you are resting in the sweetest peace.” -SFQ
Have you ever seen someone smile and it makes you smile back? That's what Abby had whenever I would see her. What I will always remember is that Abby always had a contagious smile that could Never be forgotten and would pass it on to others. that Smile will be dearly missed. -Danny
Abby, thank you for all the joy and amiability you brought to everyone. I did not know you very long, but you were so friendly and welcoming with everyone you met, including me. Your impact with the Anthropology Club and the people you met will be carry on with our new members. You have taught us all how to be warm-hearted and open minded. It was amazing to see you grow as an individual within even the short time that I knew you. It was truly inspiring. Thank you for everything you did. I know everyone from the Anthropology Club will miss your beautiful soul. I will miss your infectious and charming personality within our social events. Thank you for taking care and loving our dear friend Jess. I loved seeing you guys together, and seeing how radiant you two looked. It was truly beautiful to see how deeply you love one another. You were taken far too soon. Rest peacefully beautiful! - Lindsay
I know we never really talked Abby, but there is no doubt in my mind how much you will be missed. I pray that you can find peace and take solace in the fact that you will forever live on in the hearts of the people that loved you most. - Kasandra
Dear Abby, I miss you a lot. You always knew how to make me smile. Your hugs were the best and all the times we’ve hung out in and out of school. I am gonna miss your hugs the most but I hope that you are in a better place now where you can be happy because you truly deserve that. - Rubi
Sweet Abby, I did not know you long but in the time that we did know each other you were always kind, caring and thoughtful towards everyone you knew. Your spirit will live on in those you've touched and your memory will be everlasting. Rest well beautiful. - Dolores
It’s heartbreaking to lose someone when they set so many goals for their life and had only just started to achieve them. Abby meant so much to Jessica and was always there to support her in her education and community projects. We’ll all miss her shining face. - Professor Lacy
Dear Abby - We only met briefly, but I know how much you mean to everyone that knew you well. I wish that we had gotten to know each other more as I have heard so many great things about you. You will be dearly missed. - Sincerely, Prof. Seligson
Abby, thank you for coming with me to the club and being a part of this community. I loved that my friends got to meet you and became your friends too. The people from the club got to witness your charisma and joyfulness and I am grateful that they share these memories of you. I am grateful for you helping me out with my extra curricular activities, I will always thank you for the time you invested in me. I will always love you and cherish all of these school memories with you my love. When you helped me transcribe the voice recordings for my ethnographic field research or when you helped me with my presentation on student research day and when you would help me create flyers for the clubs events. I may not have other pictures or videos of you being there but there were many other times you were there and supported the club. For instance, when you attended the Christmas party at Dr. Moore’s house or when you attended some of my Anthropology classes where you got to meet most of my professors and not to mention the countless times you visited the club and got to meet the people there. This led to you/us hanging out with them outside of the club too. For Michelle’s birthday, when we went clubbing with Elise and again with Sahara on NYE, or when we would hang out with many of them at the bar while doing school work but how can I forget your favorite night, Karaoke night with Rubi, Sahara & Heather where you and I got on stage and Sang Cheap Trick - I Want You To Want Me (one of our songs). We will all miss you Abby and we will cherish our memories together. - Jessica less
Words have been incredibly hard to come by the last few days. What do you say about someone whom you loved so dearly & who caused you the most heartache & pain?
I keep coming back to the importance Abby had in my life. If it weren’t for her, I... moreWords have been incredibly hard to come by the last few days. What do you say about someone whom you loved so dearly & who caused you the most heartache & pain?
I keep coming back to the importance Abby had in my life. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t know how strong & brave I can be. I wouldn’t have learned how to put myself first & love myself after years of hating myself. She showed me passion & laughter. She was my bright light in a dark world, for a while.
Addiction is a thief - it takes away the person you love & replaces them with a version you can’t recognize. I think we were all hopeful when Abby discovered her true self. She looked happy & comfortable in her own skin. She was beautiful.
I hate addiction. I hate that it took Abby away from us & I hate the pain it caused. Abby didn’t deserve this pain. It’s so unfair.
Abby - you were my love & life for nearly 6 years. I’ll never forget my first time at Disneyland, when our love first sparked. We rode almost every ride together & we hung out at the back of the pack all day. At the end of the evening, you asked if you could see me again before I left to go back to Arkansas. I immediately said yes - you had already captured me.
Disneyland will never be the same without you. I’ve already promised friends to ride the canoes ONE more time in your honor - you better be happy about that. :) I’ll forever be on the lookout for Tinkerbell pins now. And I’ll always make goofy faces in ride pictures.
I miss you, Abby. I’ve missed you for 3 years. And I’ve loved you every day.
Oh Abby I miss you. I am sorry you lost your battle. We shared that battle for awhile and I treasure the closeness we had. I have a bunch of pictures. Many more are of Greg than you because you were Greg longer. I hope everyone will be patient, I just... moreOh Abby I miss you. I am sorry you lost your battle. We shared that battle for awhile and I treasure the closeness we had. I have a bunch of pictures. Many more are of Greg than you because you were Greg longer. I hope everyone will be patient, I just couldn't leave any of these out. I am so proud of your decision to transition and how well you did with it. It is a hard time for everyone right now in this world and I hate that you had to shoulder that along with everything else. I hate this disease and all of the lives it has taken. Rest peacefully dear Abby. I love you 💔 less
My name is Zhila and I used to be Abby 's teacher for a year or two .
Dear Abby I remember you pretty well .You were one happy ,curious and creative child. I enjoyed watching you doing all different kinds of things and being very content. The ... moreMy name is Zhila and I used to be Abby 's teacher for a year or two .
Dear Abby I remember you pretty well .You were one happy ,curious and creative child. I enjoyed watching you doing all different kinds of things and being very content. The smile in this picture is how I remember you the best .
Yes ,you were one happy child , of course you would get made sometimes too ,and you would let us know when you were mad . I also remember how happy you would get whenever your mom came to pick you up .You would ran to her and would go to her arms and wiggling around in her arms and telling her lets go lets go .You were happy at the school ,but you loved to go back home with your mom .The exchange of love between your mom and you were preciuos to observe .You sure were loved . You and Chris were the kids whom I did not worry about .You came from stable and very loving family .
I saw you again , may be about two or three years ago .You were coming back from your job ,I stopped you and I told you I remember you ,you also recognized me . And you greeted me with such a grace .That memorable smile appeared again on your angle looking face .Oh Abby ,so sorry that you left this world so soon .I am sure you have left so many precious moments for your loved ones .I would always remember you ,and I am grateful that I got a chance to know you even for a short time .
May we all cherish all the memories you left for us !! For me would be the way you enjoyed life as a very young child when I was your teacher .
Much love :
Zhila 💚 less
My name is Zhila and I used to be Abby 's teacher for a year or two .
Dear Abby I remember you pretty well .You were one happy ,curious and creative child. I enjoyed watching you doing all different kinds of things and being very content. The ... moreMy name is Zhila and I used to be Abby 's teacher for a year or two .
Dear Abby I remember you pretty well .You were one happy ,curious and creative child. I enjoyed watching you doing all different kinds of things and being very content. The smile in this picture is how I remember you the best .
Yes ,you were one happy child , of course you would get made sometimes too ,and you would let us know when you were mad . I also remember how happy you would get whenever your mom came to pick you up .You would ran to her and would go to her arms and wiggling around in her arms and telling her lets go lets go .You were happy at the school ,but you loved to go back home with your mom .The exchange of love between your mom and you were preciuos to observe .You sure were loved . You and Chris were the kids whom I did not worry about .You came from stable and very loving family .
I saw you again , may be about two or three years ago .You were coming back from your job ,I stopped you and I told you I... less
My dearest Abby
I am so saddened by your leaving us so soon. I will really miss going on camping trips with you. You were always so comfortable and competent in the wilderness. I will also miss your climbing. You were a natural from the first time you... moreMy dearest Abby
I am so saddened by your leaving us so soon. I will really miss going on camping trips with you. You were always so comfortable and competent in the wilderness. I will also miss your climbing. You were a natural from the first time you touched rock and over the years you became so good! You were so confident, so strong and so fearless on those walls. I always loved watching you perform with the Wind Ensemble. You made performing seem so effortless. I enjoyed every performance and I saw your musical skills blossom and grow from high school, through your 4 years at UC Santa Cruz, all the way to these last few years with the Community Ensemble at Santa Monica College. To be honest, when you told Mom and me that you wanted to make the change from male to female I was a bit puzzled. I didn’t understand it but Mom and I decided very quickly that we were going to support you one hundred percent. I saw how difficult that was for you and I was amazed at how much courage it took for you to get there. The payoff was being able to watch you grow into a beautiful young woman. The hardest part of all this was seeing you lose your battle with addiction. With the tenacity you always showed clawing your way up the rock and the extraordinary courage you showed during your transition, I really thought you would make it. But in the end it was a battle you couldn’t win. There is a huge hole in my heart right now. I miss you and will always love you.
Dad less
You were beautiful inside and out. I’m so happy you were part of my life. I wish I could have done more. Rest easy, Abby. Thank you for your friendship.
To start off i would like to share a little youtube video where I share some of the little moments Abby and I shared together.
To Abby,
Abby, what else can I say but thank you for the time you allowed me to be with you. Thank you for all of our first... moreTo start off i would like to share a little youtube video where I share some of the little moments Abby and I shared together.
To Abby,
Abby, what else can I say but thank you for the time you allowed me to be with you. Thank you for all of our first and our memories we created together. You truly were a blessing to me Abby. You made me realize and experience things I would never thought possible for me to do or enjoy. So I’ll always thank you for that my love. I thank god for the time I had with you because you made me experience the miracle of life with our Baby J. Though time with them was short and limited I still experienced and knew the joy of expecting a baby, our own baby. I will always rejoice the thought that one day I was carrying a creation from both of us which was made from love. I’m happy to have been a part of your life and witness your bad days, your good days and your average days. I wanted this year to be full of happiness from everyone around you, love from the people close to you and joy from everyone that came to paths with you. Unfortunately you left this earth too soon, but the memories that you left with everyone you crossed paths with will be great and happy memories. You just turned 30 and you were finally beginning to be your true self, the person you had always been Abigail Rose Fiala. We never know when life will be taken away but I am happy that you got to express and be your true self in your lifetime. You lived 3 decades, I wish you would have lived three times as that but destiny was written differently for you. I forgave you for all the pain and hurt you gave me and I hope you truly forgive me from every hurt I caused you. I loved you so much Abby, even more than you could have ever known and more than I could have ever guessed I would be able to love someone. Honestly, you were my first and maybe my only true love that’s why all of this pains me so much. You knew my past and you knew my life; it has never been easy. You were; my love, my life, my heart, my baby, my all, you were my light at the end of a dark, scary, dirty tunnel. I didn't believe in true love in the beginning but slowly you showed and taught me what that was. I was scared because of things that have happened in my past but you held me and taught me how beautiful loving someone could be. I loved you and I truly wanted to marry you. Our engagement rings, I will cherish them until we meet again. We talked about starting a family together after the loss of Baby J and said we’ll start one in two years after we graduated and got settled. I still cannot get over you. I know it’s only been a short time since you left us but I love you so much Abby and I miss you. I love you more than I ever did anyone or anything. I am convinced that you were the one for me. You were who I chose to be my baby’s parent. You are the one I saw myself having a life and family with. You were the reason why I came out to my mom and you were there next to me. Not long ago you were there to save my life and have the paramedics revive me. I had a second chance in life thanks to you. It pains me to remember that when you needed that same chance I was not there for you. Every passing day I wish I would have done something to save you and repay you but I can’t. The guilt will live on with me forever and I am sincerely sorry. I will live life knowing that our love was true and that we will meet again sometime. I will always and forever love you Abby.
Barbara OlingerJessica- I haven't had the chance to meet you but I wanted to say thank you for helping Abby feel loved and cherished and supported on her journey to be fully who she was. Your time together was short but not in terms of the love you felt and my heart... moreJessica- I haven't had the chance to meet you but I wanted to say thank you for helping Abby feel loved and cherished and supported on her journey to be fully who she was. Your time together was short but not in terms of the love you felt and my heart goes out to you in this time of grief. Thank you for sharing this video- it is so lovely for me to see how much you meant to each other.
Georgette Murakami
Thank you, Jess for posting the video. It was beautiful & Abby looked so happy. Addiction is such a horrible disease to overcome but I'm glad you were there for her.
Sharing our love for the outdoors with you was wonderful. Your new found knowledge of primitive fire making being passed along to Bruce, even though it didn’t stick, was a moment to remember.