It's been a rough week in Cadiz, due mainly to my Papa's passing and the great Atlantic that separates me from home and family. I have been thinking of them all constantly and am at peace knowing that Papa is in a better place now, while I would give anything to have him back home watching CAL games, playing dice, and drinking coffee with hazelnut coffee-mate (one of the commonalities between Papa and me, and one that will make me think of him every single morning).
My Papa was, and will continue to be, in spirit, an amazing man. He tops the list of the most ethical and dedicated people I have ever met. Papa had a humble yet strong presence about him and was well-respected by every person who had the great fortune of knowing him.
When faced with the decision of whether to make a last-minute trip home to say "goodbye", I chose to stay in Spain. I have always had a good relationship with my Papa and there was nothing more that needed to be said. I loved him, and will always love him, and he knows that.
So in my mind, Papa will always be one with a quiet and omnipresent zest for life, one who modeled the most deeply desired and respected character traits, one who always loved his home and his growing family and life, one who was sincerely interested in the pursuits of his children and grandchildren, and one who showed me (by example) that strength comes from within.
I'll remember Papa's endless stories from his childhood with John and our family's pride the day he was inducted into the CAL Hall of Fame. I'll remember the amazing week we spent in Hawaii and how he teased me for "feeding the fish" and my nose piercing. I'll remember days at the Lair, celebrating tradition, and times at the Biltmore, celebrating family and our deep and remarkable love.
Thank you for everything, Papa. May your strength live on in all of us as we strive to make you proud.
My Papa was, and will continue to be, in spirit, an amazing man. He tops the list of the most ethical and dedicated people I have ever met. Papa had a humble yet strong presence about him and was well-respected by every person who had the great fortune of knowing him.
When faced with the decision of whether to make a last-minute trip home to say "goodbye", I chose to stay in Spain. I have always had a good relationship with my Papa and there was nothing more that needed to be said. I loved him, and will always love him, and he knows that.
So in my mind, Papa will always be one with a quiet and omnipresent zest for life, one who modeled the most deeply desired and respected character traits, one who always loved his home and his growing family and life, one who was sincerely interested in the pursuits of his children and grandchildren, and one who showed me (by example) that strength comes from within.
I'll remember Papa's endless stories from his childhood with John and our family's pride the day he was inducted into the CAL Hall of Fame. I'll remember the amazing week we spent in Hawaii and how he teased me for "feeding the fish" and my nose piercing. I'll remember days at the Lair, celebrating tradition, and times at the Biltmore, celebrating family and our deep and remarkable love.
Thank you for everything, Papa. May your strength live on in all of us as we strive to make you proud.
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