Abuelo Malave.
I have been traveling through Europe as all these events unfold. It has been hard to process. I am already away from my home that is away from home.
So last night it was our last in Berlin, Germany before the travel back to Trieste. The girls tucked me in so I could have some time alone and I sat and wrote what I thought currently of how I was missing Abuelo Malave...and I guess I found mourning happens in different ways for everyone... Some people get angry--and yell... some beat at their chest at God working out all the pain... some cry softly, some wail loud... Some people laugh... others sing...Some ignore the pain and just try to keep moving. I feel like I've done a lot of these things (especially keep moving)... but tonight, I wrote.
When everything changed quickly: Abuelo Malave
Today I heard him laugh on the street corner.
It was far reaching--contagious...and I chuckled too.
I smelled his scent amidst the bustle of the train,
Una mezcla de sweet mouthwash and cologne.
This made me look for him...
I saw his smile as I crossed the street:
A charmed nose grin on the shrek face; wasn't even closing my eyes.
The wind carried his embrace:
Round soft and comfortable;
I just wished I could feel the warmth of him in it.
The sky shed the tears I could not:
A gentle, deeply pained cry;
His life made travelers turn
To smile and gaze upon-
Abuelo...simply stated Malave.
Then after this... the tears came to flow slow and steadily...and there were the small pained gasps. I really do love him just the same...today, tomorrow as always... He is my Abuelo Malave.
Abuelo Sayings, Principles, and Practices:
-Drink your 8 glasses of water a day (for Abuelo Beer was included in this count... but that part of the rule only counted for him)-Call people out when they are spending too much money on silly things... He would say, "Money heavy on you?"
-Look at everyone as friends that you just haven't met yet and win them over (that's the WOO that he imparted to my mom, Nikki, and me)
-Love your family... help them out and look out for them... because they are the most important people you have
-Read the Newspaper--its like a college education (Abuelo's words)
-Work hard and be yourself...and he always said, Vero, I'm proud of you baby :)
3 comments:
it's good to capture these memories while they are still fresh so you can remember them always...
Veronica, This was just beatiful, I laughed and cried with you... He was such a great grandpa! I love you shugars!!! Praying for God to keep reminding you of all the happy times!!!
One thing I remember about Abuelo is how he would tell us Vietnam stories... only the tail would grow like a fish story!!! I'll never know if he really had to eat bugs in a bunker or how he got shrapnel in his leg... lol it makes me smile.
You write so beautifully! Thank you for sharing everything, I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of and praying for you and your family! Love and miss you sweet girl!
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