[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E59]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                FIRST BIRTHDAY OF DIEGO VINCENT OLIVAREZ

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 8, 2003

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on a point of personal 
privilege to exercise my rights, responsibilities and pride as a 
grandmother to note a significant occasion in the life of the Roybal-
Allard family--the first birthday of my beloved grandson, Diego Vincent 
Olivarez.
  Diego is my first grandchild and the first great-grandchild of my 
father, former Rep. Edward Roybal, and I can with great modesty and 
accuracy report to my colleagues that he is the most beautiful baby in 
the world.
  Diego's first birthday is notable because he was diagnosed at birth 
with microcephaly, and not expected to live more than a few months. 
While the birth and first year of a grandchild are always joyful, this 
year has been a particularly challenging one for his loving parents, 
Ricardo and Rory Olivarez. To Ricardo and Rory's everlasting credit, 
they rejected medical advice to institutionalize Diego. At home, they 
have provided a stimulating and nurturing environment for Diego, 
helping him to thrive. As a result, Diego's progress has far surpassed 
the original pessimistic medical opinions.
  As I'm sure is true for all grandparents, Diego has brought real joy 
and meaning to our lives. His medical affliction, while an on-going 
concern for us, has been a blessing in disguise because it has 
emphasized, in a way that nothing else probably could, how precious 
each day is that we are given on this earth.
  Diego, although your grandmother is in Washington today serving her 
constituents, she is thinking about you and wishes you a Happy 
Birthday.

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