My parents have so many fond memories of my uncle/godfather. My dad is too grief stricken and heart broken, as are we, over the loss of his older brother that it is too painful for him to even look at his picture. I've heard so many stories in the past that my dad has told me about him. Dad would tell me that he would always follow him, as a boy, when he would leave for work. Tio would have to chase him back home and tell him to put some clothes on haha! As a young boy dad hating wearing clothes and Tio would always get on to him about that.
My dad has also told me that tio Lalo and tia Efigenia was like a father and mother to him, since he was 12 (his memory isn't the greatest right now). Every time he talks about him he can never finish a sentence right away without bowing his head and weeping. His love for his brother is very evident.
My memories about my uncle/godfather was getting to go to his house during Christmas and enjoying some good food and Puerto Rican music. Run around downstairs in the basement and get into things. He was always so soft spoken and kind. I don't think I ever saw him mad. Maybe once, but it was hard to tell. Not like my dad, lol. It's hard to believe their characters are so completely different from one another. Tio would also make his homemade mavi (Puerto Rican homemade non-alcoholic beer)! At least I thought it was non-alcoholic. I didn't like it at first but eventually grew to love it. Maybe it did have alcohol in it!
Tio/Padrino, I love you very much and, speaking on behalf of my parents, they do too. We will miss you terribly. Thank you for your testimony of being such a patient, kind and gentle man. Thank you for helping to raise my father, taking that responsibility when you had your own children to raise. And thank you cousins, Iris (Tim), Maria (John) and Lidia for taking such good care of both of my godparents in their golden years. You will be greatly rewarded for all you've sacrificed. I pray God's richest blessings on you all.
On behalf of my parents, Efrain & Blanca Cruz.
Our most deepest sympathies,
José & Ana Cruz
