the legacy that shaped us
our legacy
In the hours between the setting and rising of the sun, a new day dawns and you awake to find that your whole world has changed. The sun sets on a chapter of your life, and you are forced into a new one—one that you wouldn’t have written. There in the darkness of your grief you reach for courage, you adapt to this tragic twist in your story to move forward to face each new day, one at a time.
It is now you begin the long journey towards healing, unsure how, or at times even if, you’ll survive the dark. And then, when you least expect it, you find yourself unexpectedly blessed once again, and the light shines back into the heart you once were sure was dead. New blessings come in unexpected packages, and you realize that you must be open to a new story—because if you can muster the courage, another adventure awaits. One that may fit perfectly in your story and surprises you with joy once again. Never the same as before, but rich with its own characters, colorful and vibrant…and refreshingly different.
This is how my life changed on June 25, 2018. I find myself here, in a little hat shop, in a tiny town where a legend once stood, using the techniques and tools he passed down. Where we became friends and where he passed down some of his talent (and lots of his humor).
But before him was the first legend in my life—20 years together, the love of my life, my David…and so the story begins.
“Born from the rubble of devastation, breathing new life into my world.”
david
where it begins
I was married for 19 years to Dave Rosa, a Long Beach Fire Captain who was shot and killed in the line of duy during a fire on June 25, 2018.
How do you wrap up in mere words what your spouse, your great love, the father of your children, your best friend, means to you…all your past, present and future gone in seconds, never the same. David was larger than life, the center of the room, without meaning to be. His ability to poke fun at himself and tell stories is, and always will be, legendary.
He came into my life like a long-awaited sweet rain, and he loved me so well. He had a fiercely loyal and tender heart, and was loved by so many. It is because of our life and love together that I am able to move forward now, chasing life and new adventures. Together, with our two boys, we made a beautiful family, and I will always be grateful to be his forever love.
When your world shatters—when the book you were writing suddenly ends, you find yourself in a position to end the story in tragedy or start a new one in hope. It is from that tragedy and journey that I find myself here, in Idaho, starting another chapter.
and so the story continues. . .
randy
carrying on the legacy before me
After meeting Randy Priest, iconic hat maker and shop owner, I discovered that he had been wanting help for the past couple of years and was asking if anyone wanted to learn his craft. I went into his shop, and much like his custom hats, we fit perfectly—as if it was always meant to be.
I began to sew sweatbands in his hats for him while watching him build new custom hats and refurbish older hats that came into the shop. Over the next months, our bond and friendship grew. He would tell me stories about his life and answer any questions I had, and I did the same with him.
He taught me so much about hat making, and I know he wanted to have more time so he could share more of his knowledge. He often told me that his best teacher was good old fashioned trial and error, and he encouraged me just to go ahead and make hats. He told me the key necessity was a “sweet eye” and that I had that—he grabbed my shoulders after one of our last hugs and he said, “you’re gonna be great, you’re gonna kick ass!” Well, I’ll tell you what Randy, I’m gonna try like hell! I am honored and humbled to carry on just a little bit of what he passed down to me. One of the most beautiful moments between us was when he looked at me and said, “you know something higher put us together right?” And of course I said yes, I knew it was the Lord, I had often shared openly my faith with him. I believe it still.
I cherish all the days and hours I was able to spend with him. He was not just an iconic figure in the industry, but a beautiful soul in this life. The loss of this man here on earth is felt by so many.
scotty
finding love again
Here is the part of the story where I have found love again, and have tapped into desires of my heart that have been sleeping inside for so long…the story that brought me to this little iconic hat shop in the sleepy town of Donnelly Idaho. It is the kind of great stories not soon forgotten.
Idaho has been pulling at my heart since I got here, I could have never guessed four years ago that my life would be so altered by an unforeseen and unthinkable tragedy that would bring me to this state.
That journey here in Idaho begins with Scotty. I couldn’t have dreamed up a more perfect next chapter than him. It started with me sharing my grief and forming a sweet friendship that you feel deep in your heart and soul, and blossomed into the kind of love you can’t ever imagine would come again.
Of course it’s not the same, but somehow, it is the same caliber—just as legendary, just as life altering. It feels as though God himself put us together and I will be forever thankful for his incredible love. Still to this day, the depth we share astounds me.
my community
giving back to the women who supported me
In my greatest loss a tight circle of support emerged in the town we called home, San Juan Capistrano, our fire family in Long Beach, and beyond, has given me support every step of the way.
Family, and friends who would become my family, showed up and were there when I thought my world had ended. The bonds we now share can never be replaced.
This community has surrounded me with love and given me hope and are an integral part of where I am now. Expressing gratitude with words is difficult, which is why I have chosen one non profit to give back to, Never Alone: Widows of Heroes.
This organization came alongside me during my grief with encouragement and hope, and introduced me to a wonderful tribe of widows who still journey with me to this day.
LA Rosa stands strong in the foundation of tradition and legacy, which means we don’t fit the mold of current trends. Our hats are made with quality in mind, so that they can withstand the years and be passed down through generations.
We believe that each person has their own unique legacy to carry on, and our hats are meant to help you do just that. Whether you’re carrying on your family’s tradition or starting your own legacy, we want to help you do it in style.