when I was little, I would purposely pretend to fall asleep on the living room couch so that my dad could carry me to my bedroom. he would snuggle me in and kiss me goodnight. little did he know I was awake the whole time. his family was always important to him. my dad had the ability to come to this country to create a better life for himself. for his future family. he provided for us, loved us, and cared for us. he worked two jobs at one point so that my mom could stay home to take care of my brother and i. he purchased a house, which is always the “american”dream being from a different country. my dads liver began to fail this year, after my grandma passed away in march. it spread fast. my dad passed away in his home town, La Mocha, Guanajuato Mexico on Friday night as my brother and I were heading to see him. We didn’t make it on time. He was laid to rest on Sunday afternoon surrounded by family and friends. his last wishes became true by having a banda at his funeral and to be buried close to my abuelita y abuelito. god works in mysterious ways, and although I have so many unanswered questions I know my dad is no longer in pain. He had been suffering in silence. there will never be any amount of words to describe the feeling of losing a parent. the pain you feel in your heart as it aches each day as if it weren’t real. I vow to continue making you proud each and every day pá. You will always be in my heart. Alex and I have one another and will continue to be strong together. Siempre seré tu niña papa. Te quiero mucho. Que descanses en paz. 07.09.71-09.08.23