Reader comments this week: Birthday wishes, a 'fateful night' and remembering a special bond

Several weeks ago, Homicide Report began highlighting comments from family members and friends that stood out because of their insight or emotion.

Homicide Report hopes that doing so will encourage thoughtful conversation about violence and its effects on Los Angeles, as well as ensure that some of the best comments do not go unnoticed among the more than 10,000 published this year. Following are some recent postings by readers.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Marios mama on Mario Sepulveda, a 29-year-old Latino, who was shot and killed Nov. 17, 2007:

Mario it's almost your birthday.....I miss you so much ......I pray that you know you are so loved and [that] nothing is the same without you... I love you my son.... You gave me so much in your life that you will never know.... I have 28 beautiful years of you locked in my soul....You were truly a blessing from God.... When I breathe, you are here.... I love you so much; thank you, son, for all of your unconditional love.... Mama

kay kay on Cesar Martinez, a 17-year-old Latino, who was fatally shot after he was asked his gang affiliation Jan. 29, 2008:

Mago, that's what we called him. He was about to graduate [from] high school that year and was happy because he wanted to go into the Army and make his mom proud. Rest in peace, Cesar. Hope you found God and put in a good word for me.... Much love and respect.

Crazy legs on Alonzo Griffin, a 58-year-old black man, who died Nov. 20, 2008, after he was shot while riding his bike home:

Lonzo, it's been two years since that fateful night. I was not around that night, but Nita and TP were and they saw your killer. After all the love you showed the people in the hood, you deserve a little justice. I know that if you could do it all over,.you would have been a different person. I miss you bro. RIP.

rayleen on Adrien Soto, a 22-year-old Latino, who died July 25, 2009, after he was shot in a drive-by shooting:

Angie, about 15 years ago, I lost my husband in combat. We married right out of high school. We were married besides the fact that I loved him because he joined the Army. Anyway, long story short, you will one day meet someone who will sweep you off your feet. Someone who will be loving to you. Someone who will remind you how good it feels to be in love. I'm so sorry you lost the love of your life but you are still a very young woman. I can't believe that you actually and really want to stay alone the rest of you life. Never knowing the feelings of being in love again? I thought that's what I wanted -- to never know love again. To never know because then I would never have to feel the pain again. However, that just meant that I took my life and laid it to rest with my husband. Then, after 10 years, I ran into the most amazing man. We have been married a few years now. I would have never met him had I not allowed myself to come to terms with my dead husband. I will always remember Kevin and will always keep my mementos of us, but please don't do what I did and let years go by before you live your life. You cannot live for the dead just like the dead cannot live for us. They cannot look down on us and keep us safe or warm or out of harm's way. Do what you must for now but always keep one eye on the future or one day you will wake up and realize that you are alone and lonely and you will realize that memories of a dead loved one do not sustain us in life. Good luck and keep your options open.

Imisssyouuu on Gumaro Velazquez, a 61-year-old Latino, who died Feb. 12:

Its been almost one year since you've been gone Dad and not a day goes by that we don't miss you.... Every Sunday we go see you :( How I wish this never happened and you were still in this [crazy] house; things ain't the same without you.... My [birthday] just passed and it was not the same. How much we miss you daddy. We're getting closer and closer to who did this to you Dad. Soon he will pay for what he did. . I love you and I miss you, Dad. Forever will you live in our hearts.

Patricia Varela on Larry Samudio, a 38-year-old Latino, who was stabbed to death Nov. 20:

Larry -- My Lil Knucklehead Larry, that was my loving nickname to him, every time he would hear me say that to him, he would laugh as he felt the love behind my words. I have many fond memories of my nephew, I held him in my arms when he was a baby, then toddler, then he got too big and should have carried me. Larry and I had a very special bond. I scolded and lectured him like my own son and he would always say, “I know Tia Pat” but he always knew I loved and cared deeply for him. I will forever remember the love, laughter and many letters we shared between us. My Lil Knucklehead Larry will always be in my heart and I will miss him so very much. Rest in peace, Larry. Aunt Pat

Josh L. on Ernesto Aguilar, an 18-year-old Latino, who was fatally shot Nov. 28:

Ernesto was one "funny student." He always found a way to put a smile on my face no matter the situation. I feel deeply sorry for Ernesto's loss as well as for the Lombardi family. My deepest and sincere apologies. South Gate SEA will always miss you guys.