Papaluchito

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In July, 2007, I was very excited about going to Ecuador to celebrate my grandparents' 75th wedding anniversary. Yes, you read it correctly, they got married very young and spent their entire lives together. So, the whole family was getting ready for their "diamond anniversary." However, just two weeks before the trip, I received a phone call from my parents letting me know that Papaluchito, my grandfather, had passed away. Everything was so fast and sad: the funeral took place the following day and I couldn't move my flight for an earlier date.

When I spoke to my grandmother over the phone, she was surprisingly strong. Her words comforted me when she told me how they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary at the hospital, just few days before he died. My grandfather was a great man. I know they say that about every one who dies, but trust me, he was. Boy, he had a great life indeed!

I decided to keep my flight as it was originally scheduled. This way, I could comfort my grandmother once the crisis has passed. When I arrived in Quito, I was the one who was comforted by my family. They described the funeral to me, my grandfather final days at the hospital, and the peace that surrendered the family in the mist of our loss. We threw a little memorial/celebratory dinner where I was happy to see some of my cousins, uncles, aunts and friends I had not seen in years. Together we were able to cry, laugh, cry and celebrate Papaluchito's life. And I say celebrate because we know he is with Jesus now... he graduated from life with an A+

Mamá Rosita and me

At my grandparents' house in Quito, Ecuador

Giving a speech at my grandfather's memorial

My extended family in Ecuador

Quito from the airplane