I just got a call a few minutes ago that my father lost his fight with Alzheimer’s and had passed away early this morning so I thought I’d write him a short letter.
Love you, Pop.
Dear Dad,
I can still hear the excitement in your voice whenever I would call. Thank you for showing me so many things that at the time, were hard for me to hear. I absolutely hated it when you’d make me sweep the entire parking lot of the restaurant with a small broom but now I look back and know that all you were doing was instilling in me a good work ethic.
I will miss your hearty laughter that went from a belly laugh to high pitched ripples of joy. I will miss the times we got up at 4am to go buy warm bread from the bakery. One loaf always disappeared by the time we got to the restaurant.
As short as you were, I’ll never understand how you made those hook shots on the basketball court. I never saw those coming. I’ll try to practice mine.
You loved classical music and because you did, so do I. I’ll pass that on to Mackenzy after she grows out of the Disney phase.
I’ll try putting peaches on my cereal again like you used to do for me.
In keeping with the Ramirez tradition, I will always rattle my keys as I open the front door to let my brown-eyed girl know that I’m home.
Although we were apart for a while here and there, I wouldn’t have traded you for anything or anyone else in this world.
I will miss how we always ended our talks on the phone. I always wanted to be the last one to say bye so here it goes…
Bye Pop. I love you.
I’ll see you in heaven.
Your son.
Have you considered including a few social bookmarking buttons to these blogs. At the very least for facebook.
Thank you so much Sandy.
I miss you guys.
Thanks Kerrie.
Im so so sorry to hear about your father. You letter brought a lump to my throat and I can’t even begin to think how you must be feeling. Thinking of you xxx
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. What a beautiful letter to him. I especially love the ending about seeing him in heaven. I lost my dad last July and think of him often and I am always telling him we will get to talk and laugh again when I see him in heaven. May you feel God’s loving arms wrapped around you. You are in my prayers.
Cous uncle was a person that I personally lived and work with,yes i also had to sweep the restaurant and and peel plantain all day for his great Mofongo w/carne frita and his special dip,I now know that everthing he showed me was for the good of us 2 to become the people we are today,cous one thing I know he would had love is to see us all together as we plan and remember all he made us sometimes laugh and much more.
Thanks Uncle for my cousin….
Wonderful letter to your dad Leonardo. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and yours will be in my prayers. How wonderful to know that you WILL see him again! God bless you Brother.
I always look forward to reading your posts. I knew this one was coming, but I was not looking forward to it.
Thank you for taking a few minutes and sharing your talent to tie up those loose memories with us. I am grateful for your frank and sincere love that you express for family. It reflects well on the family you came from and the family you are raising.
My heartfelt sympathy for you and your family in this, your time of loss.
Wow, that was beautiful Leonardo. He sounds like a wonderful man; one who has indeed raised up another wonderful man. May the God of all comfort remain your constant companion as you grieve this enormous loss. My condolences to your entire family.
Leonardo, I have come close many times with my Dad but I have yet to face that pain. Please accept my sympathies for your loss.
What a beautiful tribute. You and your family are in my prayers.