Viejo, Mi Querido Viejo

To the man I call Abuelito! 

This past week my dear old man, my Abuelito Fausto went home to be with the Lord.  As a youngster grandpa grew up in Guayaquil, Ecuador with his parents, brothers, sisters and extended family. Early in life he decided to embark on an adventure and immigrated to New York with his family. Grandpa worked in custodial engineering to support and raise his family.  For a greater part of his life, my Abuelito, Don Fausto, as he was lovingly called by all his friends and family, was the unfailing, tried and true President of ”La Liga Deportiva Ecuatoriana de Indoor Futbol,” an Ecuadorian Soccer League in New York City.  One of his favorite things to do was pack up the kids, make some sandwiches and walk on over to Shea Stadium to cheer on his beloved Mets.  In the early ‘80s Grandpa accomplished one of his greater dreams becoming a home owner in Corona, Queens were he lived until a little under a decade ago.  He retired from his jobs at age 65 and later relocated to Florida.  

My dear Abuelito was able to create a wonderful life for himself and not only his immediate family but extended family alike. He was very patriotic and had an authentic love for this country he called home and relished in the “American Dream.” Grandpa and I would talk for hours about politics, life experience and of course jokes. Grandpa cracked jokes with the best of them and I had a way of making him cackle, it was endearing.  He was always a proud and knowledgeable man. He celebrated life and love in all ways quite often. He was an orator with a talent for eloquent speech. On the day we celebrated my Quinceanera he moved me to tears with the love he relayed in his toast, it was inspired and so sweet.  He captivated folks with his warmness and bright light. He welcomed everyone into his home and was truly devoted to his family.  His love for his wife and children was unwavering and ardent.  My grandpa, Don Fausto will always be remembered as a fun- loving, easy-going, hard-working man who was full of integrity and joy.  He gave of himself often and never asked for anything in return, his love is unconditional. 

Our dear Grandpa Fausto is survived by his beloved wife my Abuelita, Julia Elena, as well as a host of loving grand-children, great-grand-children, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will always cherish his memory. 

I for one intend to always honor your legacy of love.

I love you Abuelito, with my heart and soul.

Amor Eterno!

They called him DON Fausto. 

He was truly the Don.

Thank you for all the years of love and light.

My favorite dance partner. 

Abuelito, te quiero mucho.

My one and only favorite Met Fan.

Son, Husband, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Father, Friend,

GRANDFather...

Love you, Always, your Granddaughter...

Mi Viejito, descansa en paz <3 Te Amo y no lo puedo creer!

Going Home

At this moment it all seems so surreal to me.

Intellectually I know it was happening, it's always happening. We are all, always on our
way "home." Everyday brings us closer.  The juxtaposition of it all is perplexing and comforting.
I always remember one day in like 2004 or 2005 when mom called me while I was at work to 
tell me my grandfather had had a heart attack, it was the first time I ever had the realization that
they won't be in my physical life forever; they being my grandparents. It struck me quite deeply.
I experienced their mortality, it was a true awakening and a blessing cause it made me really
and truly be present with them when I was able to share moments with them.

We all have our own experiences with folks and we recollect them with our own perspectives.  
Me, I'm a firm believer that my loved ones live in this world with me, everyday, in spirit. Even 
though this is a real thought, a conscious awareness, I still am feeling a deep sadness for  
this transition my grandpa is experiencing. It truly is a huge loss and for it to be a huge loss it 
has to have been an enormous gain, at least that's my opinion.

The life my Abuelito had was wonderful, full of laughter, fun and tons of love.  
Yesterday was one month that we lost one of my dear, dear aunts to cancer. It feels like so 
many folks who are dear to me are transitioning. Last year was full of transitions and this year 
started with three, right off the cuff. I'm reminding myself every moment to pause, breathe, and 
be in gratitude for every experience and every moment....I forget sometimes...

My grandfather has been a very strong presence in my life. I am having a difficult time with
letting him go. I know he's going no matter what and the sorrow runs deep. The amazing part
is how my heart, although it's filled with great melancholy and a heapload of woe, my heart is
smiling because I truly relished in our time together. I pray for your comfort, abuelito. I pray for
peace and serenity in your heart. Always know how greatly loved you have always been. Thank
you for the light you brought into the world. I love you, always.