Tara Parrillo, Gillian's daughter, offered the following thoughts on Barack Obama's acceptance speech:

Tonight I sat and watched Barack Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention with tears streaming down my face. They were tears of hope for what is possible. I never thought that I would be blessed enough to be even tangentially a part of such an historic and life-changing time in political history. I think what made me most emotional tonight is that I was thinking about my mom standing on the floor of the Democratic National Convention as a delegate from Texas watching Obama give his historical speech. I could not be more proud of someone as I am of my mom at this moment. I think back to a celebration over 30 years ago when my older brother and I stood cheering in the audience at Mount Vernon waiving our little American flags as my mom was sworn in as an American citizen. I know serving as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention has always been a dream of hers and, anyone who knows my mom, knows she dreams big. Mom, with so much hard work you are living one of your dreams. Savor this moment. You worked hard for it and deserve it. I am one of your biggest fans. I am so proud of you. I love you more than you will ever know!

Tara Parrillo
August 28, 2008