Ralph Alvarez

I remember my Tio with fondness. He was always a joker. Even during the most difficult times, he had stregnth in spirit and mind. Everyone in the community loved him--knew him. More important, he knew them all by name and face. He never turned his back or closed the doors on anyone. he was a friend to everyone! He taught by example. Even the nurses that attended him after he had a hard fall many years ago, loved his company. Especially when asked, "how do you feel?" and he replied, "with my hands, how do you feel?". Or during Cinco de Mayo celebrations when he would dance with all his heart. I remember he used to let me stand on his feet when I didn't know the steps. I even remember how he used to take out his fake eye to disgust us kids and we loved it when he jokingly said, "hey, do you want me to take off my arm too?". Even when I began having difficulties in my marriage, and he was ill, he was still there for me. I remember bringing his wife Mary to see him. We stopped off at white castle to bring him lunch. I was telling my auntie Mary my difficulties because she had asked. My Tio said nothing. But he put his hamburger down and took my face in his hands and kissed me on the cheek and patted my head. Thats all it took.