Amara Nero's Obituary
My name is Amara Liza Nero. Before I was even a twinkle in their eyes, I specially selected my parents, Portia Daniels Nero and Justin Alford Nero. I was born in Oakland, California at 7:16 AM on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. I weighed in at 6 pounds and 10 ounces. I was welcomed by my brother Kamau Raymond and my sister Anaya Jade.
Just so you know, the name “Amara” is for people who move through life with a sense of divine grace and radiate a loving presence that uplifts those around them. That was part of my mission. The name Amara suited me perfectly. I made my Daddy proud and made my Mommie smile. Folks say I had a "special connection" with everybody I came in contact with. I was affectionately called “Mara Mo” by those closest to me. Being part of my family was one of the highlights of this life.
As I magically grew and developed from infant to toddler, I enjoyed running around the house, having the bubble machine on, climbing my triangle, laughing, and sharing what my folks say were the best cuddles in the world. I loved watching Sesame Street, especially Elmo's World, and it was great to be able to share my new words with my parents and siblings.
Bath times were great, especially when I shared them with my brother. What a great time we had! Splashing and playing with bubbles and bath toys, filling the space with laughter and excitement. I loved playing with stuffed animals with my big sister. Whenever I felt down, sitting high on Daddy's shoulders would cheer me up. I'd grab his head and squeal in delight as he leaned side to side. One of the best parts of my day was playing and eating dinner with my Mommie.
Our dog, Domino, was like part of the family and I was his favorite. He and I would chase each other around, and he'd lick my hand whenever I pet him. He would lie down underneath my highchair during mealtime, so he could nibble on any treats I might drop on the floor.
I started daycare at Betty's Children's Academy when I was about six months old. I always felt so loved and cared for. I looked forward to going to “Miss Betty’s” every day with my brother and seeing some of my cousins. While there, I got all “A”s at learning to walk, talk, and eat solid foods. I liked doing crafts, playing peek-a-boo, singing songs, and having fun on the playground with my friends. I kept the teachers busy as I loved to climb to the older kids' area. I was just starting to learn my ABCs and loved singing the song at bath time.
One of my uncles once commented that my love language was food. I was always a great eater and enjoyed meals, snacks, and exploring all kinds of new tastes. High on my list of favorites were strawberries! Actually, I loved all berries! I even liked vegetables, including sweet potatoes! Bananas were a special treat and I liked avocados, rice, beans, apple sauce squeezes, and purple carrot teethers.
I enjoyed taking trips with my family and recently got my own passport. I visited Sesame Place in San Diego and met Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Disneyland last Christmas. I enjoyed many fun trips to the Oakland Zoo and Tilden Little Farm. I relished times spent at local parks on the swings and slides and playing in the sandbox. I climbed on anything I could. My parents said I was fearless!
Every Saturday morning I attended Ruby's Tumbling, a special place where I learned tumbling and gymnastics with my Itsy-Bitsy classmates. My favorite was jumping on the trampoline, the balance beam, and going underneath the parachute with all my friends at the end of each class.
My parents said I always had a ready smile and a sparkling personality. Just ask them. They’ll say that I am a beautiful spirit, an angel in their lives, and that their love for me will last for always. I’m not bragging or anything, but they say that being my parents was a blessing, a privilege, and an honor! Some people will probably say that my life was too short, but those who were touched by my life understand that the quality of it far exceeded the quantity of time I shared here on earth. Even though I was only here for nineteen magical months, I had a gentle, loving influence on everyone who knew me. Folks say I’m leaving a legacy of love, beauty, and gratitude for my circle of family and friends. They say I will always be in their hearts.
Like I said, I am Amara Liza Nero. I am leaving to cherish our memories my awesome parents, Justin and Portia Nero, my brother Kamau and sister Anaya, my grandparents and so many loving uncles, aunts, and cousins.
That’s it for now.
I have passed all the tests of Life and Love with flying colors and graduated with honors. I softened hearts, enlightened spirits, brightened days, and helped to create magical memories.
I gently ascended from my parents’ sweet embrace on Tuesday morning, June 18, 2024. They say they will miss and love me every day. And I will return the favor.
Look to see me everywhere. Everywhere I am!
With a heart full of love and gratitude,
Mara Mo
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