RIP Abuelito

My grandfather was an awesome man. He lived a humble life. Always thinking about others and hardly ever of himself. He was the kind of man that would just bring happiness to everyone he encountered. The kind of human I can only dream of ever being. I felt awful when he passed, but never did I doubt that he'd make it to heaven. I keep telling myself "how could he not?" He was the best.

The family.

I truly miss him, but at the same time I am happy he is in a better place. I enjoyed his presence in my life. I enjoyed every bit of him. His stories, his jokes, his little shiny eyes, but most of all his contagious smile.

Saddest day thus far. Carrying our abuelito to his final resting place.

It makes me happy to know that at 86 he was able to see not only his grandkids, but his great grandkids. It's funny to think that when we were little and we behaved he prized us with a quarter and with the grandkids he prized them with dollars.

Angie and Clarice holding grandpa's portrait.

No matter what he never forgot about the familia. He always made time for us and showed us that you can be an active Cristian without forgetting about your human family. He never ever made us feel less for not being religious. And for that I thank him. I thank him for his undying love and his never ending faith in God.

Baby Pearl, Jackie, George, Angie, Omar, Grandma, me, Mom, Luis, and Martha next to my grandpa's tomb.

It is his faith that kept us together. It is his faith that allows me to believe that now my baby is up in heaven enjoying his great grandfather. I think thats why I find comfort in his death. Because my grandfather and my child are together now.

The primos, George, Luis, and Manuel giving their final respects to grandpa

I feel bad for the heartache my family is going through, but I know if we stick together through these hard times things will be alright. I know we'll heal. I know life will go on.

Rest in peace abuelito. I love you so much.