As the leaves slowly wither away and fall from their stems
You stay alive and attached to my heart
I can still hear your cheerful voice saying “Hello” and “Bye-bye”
Attempting to speak and understand as much English as possible
Because, unlike my cousins, I did not learn Spanish
You were successful, whereas, I had little success
Although we did not have a deep connection, we did have
Memorable moments that I've kept locked up in my heart
Conversations that have left imprints in my mind
Photographs that tell magnificent stories
You are only distant physically now
And I’m thankful that God allowed me to have these memories with you
Reminding me of how great of a person you were
Despite those dark days when you weren't shining as bright
Those times that made you lonely
Sad
Harsh
Taught you lessons that you kept with you for the rest of your life
You were strong
Smart
Kind
Always striving to become a better husband, dad, grandfather, friend, brother, and a better you
Though you began to become as fragile as a baby towards the end
You were still as strong as Popeye in my eyes
Now I have two guardian angels watching over me
Two angels that I will eventually meet again and rejoice with.

Abuelo, no habla mucho español, pero te amo y I miss you already. I’ll see you again, pero por ahora
Adios.

|s.s|