It's been seven months, but to me it seems like it was a second ago when my baby Perla Sofia Palma was taken from me. In January, though, me and my husband had the privilege of going to Desert Shadows Middle School and talk to a few 7th-grade classes about gun safety. For the first time in the last six monts, it felt like the first breath of hope that a life can be saved.

The reaction from the students was incredible and touched my heart in a special way. It was hard but we had to do it. Sofia's life was too precious for me not to speak up.

I want to thank DSMS Principal Joan Molera and social studies teacher Andy Espinoza from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity. It gave me strength to get up the next day and keep going.

One of the many things we told those students is that life is a gift. Use it in a positive way. Don't get close to guns. Don't play with guns. Use everyday to be good to your parents, teachers, friends and family. Don't ever waist your gift of life holding a gun that can destroy a life or many lives. That's what my baby Sofia did.

Prevention is a good thing. Always remember that.

The proud mother of Perla Sofia Palma ...

Perla Wilczewski

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