I was born on July 26, 2015. Two days before my daddy’s birthday. He always said “2015 I got my greatest birthday present, and it was given to me in a hospital.” However, shortly after July, I would not see him again until October. Family Court petitions, accusations, Order of Protections, unfit Judges and lawyers resulted in me spending only 2 days a week for 9 hours a day with my Father, grandparents and the rest of my family.
Gabriella Boyd was an innocent victim, and just another statistic in the bias backwards and outdated New York State Family Court System. Despite her father’s efforts to show the court that it was in the best interest of Gabriella that she be with him.
Big brown eyes and a big bright smile. Gabriella, Gabby, Gabs, Ladybug or Mama was sure to put a smile on your face. She was a very happy little girl. Outgoing, independent, fearless, smart, clever, sneaky and a great listener. She understood a lot more than people thought she did.
She would make an attempt to try anything from taking on a new obstacle on the playground, to learning to pronounce a new letter or word. She loved dogs, painting and drawing, playing soccer and making play dough meatballs with Nanny. She liked music, and dancing and playing the guitar with Pappy. She enjoyed walks around the park with Daddy and RoRo and feeding the geese and the ducks. She had a special bond with Uncle Joe and Aunt Ashley where she felt safe even when Uncle Joe chased her around the house and threw her up in the air, it was built on trust and love. Gabriella liked trucks and motorcycles, books, macaroni and cheese, and playing with her big cousins.
Mama loved to bake cookies and cupcakes, all while licking the frosting from her fingers. She helped Dada make pancakes for breakfast every Saturday at 9:30am, where she would follow it up with cheerios and of course her Sippy cup of water. Gabby loved to help, she would always set the table, pretend to cook, and if she really liked you, she would share. Gabriella liked her naps, she liked to learn, and she liked riding in the car. Holidays were special, she loved the snow and making snowman and being pulled in the sled. She was a very observant and particular little girl who loved Mickey Mouse and her two favorite dogs, Rolly and Bingo. That’s who this beautiful little Angel was and will always be and so much more!
We Love & miss you so much
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there, and to the fathers who have stepped into the role of both mother and father.
Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers whose little angels have gained their wings — they are always watching over you, and they are so proud of you.
To the mothers still fighting the long battle in family court to be part of their child’s life, to those experiencing alienation, and to the parents who would give anything just to celebrate today with their children — don’t give up. Keep fighting. Even when it feels like nothing is changing, never lose hope. Your love, strength, and dedication matter more than words can express.
Today we celebrate every parent who continues to love unconditionally through pain, distance, loss, and hardship. You are seen, you are valued, and your fight matters. Happy Mother’s Day.
The Gabriella Boyd Memorial Foundation was honored to be part of such an incredible event, surrounded by so many resilient individuals who refuse to give up and continue to fight for their right to be in their children’s lives. Together, your strength and determination inspire hope and change.
The founder of The Gabriella Boyd Memorial Foundation, Stephen Boyd, shared his powerful story and the organization’s mission—to ensure that no other parent has to endure the pain that Steve and his family live with every single day.
Together, we can make a difference.
A heartfelt thank you to the National Parents Organization for inviting us to share our story and continue spreading our mission.
