A Loving Legacy

I know it is hard to describe the feeling of a ghost limb when I contain all my limbs, though I can resonate with that feeling by missing someone who was always there.

Jorge Luis Valle was my Abuelo, which means in English “grandfather”. People believe in values or characteristics in another person, for example, a president would be described as admirable or honorable. My Abuelo was a patient, caring, and extremely loving person. It is hard to reference an example when my memories feel fragmented since his passing. It was more a feeling, something I do remember about him, he would check on me while it was late at night and open the door to my room to make sure I was getting rest before the next day started. I would be faking it almost 80% of the time to stay up and play with friends though times he did catch me, he would never be bothered or be upset, instead he was curious as to why I was up and asked if I was okay. He used to say that Staying up late meant something was weighing on your mind. He always caught me in my thoughts.

To get to know him a little better I can tell you that Abuelo was a Christian Pastor, very connected to God, and those who had the chance to know him say that is why he was always content with life because of it. He always carried such faith and hope in life. I remember when a neighbor had a horrific accident and was in the hospital for so long, he would go and visit them without notice and pray for them as if it were his son or brother lying there. He continued to put others before him and always made sure that you were okay, if not then he did anything he could to help you. He was always offering what he had too, anyone who came to the house a fruit, a dessert, or a coffee was either inside you or in your hands before leaving.

I cared for him in his last few years and I would say it was the hardest thing for me to do, I think he knew that and always asked for my forgiveness for always being handicapped. I always told him he wasn’t and that I would be frustrated for other reasons. I now see that I was frustrated acknowledging that he was going to leave someday. When people talk about a pain or a feeling from a phantom limb, it is the same sense when someone so close to you has gone to a better place. The presence of that person or thing was so impactful that its as if they continue to be there where you’d expect them to be. At times I catch myself opening the door to his room wanting to give him a hug from a long day, or wanting to tell him about something I learned, to see whether he knew it too.

The values that he passed down to me were more than anything I could have ever asked for. Patience, kindness, an endless amount of love, and affection for those who come across you in life. That isn’t something that is taught, I believe that is something that you have to experience and be a part of to have such an impact on your character. He always prayed for those in need, in whichever way they may need it. I will continue to do the same and do what I am able to when they encounter me on their life journey. Gracias Abuelo para todo.

“To be interesting, be interested.” -Dale Carnegie

I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension as I contemplate the chance to embark on a crazy adventure to Seattle. The opportunity to join my friend on a boat there and explore the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest sounds truly amazing. The idea of setting sail and feeling the ocean spray fills me with a sense of freedom and possibility. And yet, there's a part of me that feels uneasy, venturing into the unknown. Will I be able to adapt to life on a boat? Can I handle the challenges that may arise? But amidst these uncertainties, the allure of travel beckons me. The chance to explore new places, meet new people, and immerse myself in different cultures is too enticing to resist. It may be uncomfortable at times, but I know deep down it will be an experience that will shape me and create memories to last a lifetime.

Summer back at home

I recently spent some time back home with my family, visiting my grandpa who meant the world to me. There is this sense… or rareness when I’m there in Puerto Rico. Locals truly love that aspect about the island too, specially my sister who moved there officially.

Like the saying goes there is no where else like home, with the people you know around you and the food you grew up on. This trip was a commemoration of my grandfather. During that time we visited locations I had never seen before, such as hiking through rainforest, sliding down rivers and waterfalls, and exploring parts of the beaches too. So much to do in such a small place.