grandpa

Uncle Lou, 

Thank you for this reminder of Juan Rios Torres' birthday tomorrow! And while an avid writer has your attention... :0)

Since I was very young when my grandfather Juan passed on, I don't remember a lot about him except for the way his laugh pierced through what was otherwise a stern face, and how much he liked to share his lemon drop candies with me. He also passed on a set of his pens to me, knowing that even at a young age I was a writer. That meant a lot. I still love pens. 

When I think about it, the biggest impact he has had on my Life is in the sons he raised. Sons who have an unusually solid work ethic, who genuinely value their family, sons with a sense of humor that would make even the most miserable person lighten up, who keep respectful relationships with their ex'es (living or not) as an embodiment of that family priority, knowing it hurts themselves and mostly hurts the children if they were to do otherwise. Sons who have immense gratitude for your blessings, the shelter above your heads and the food on the table which is much more than you knew as kids in the Bronx. Sons who don't all believe in a religious God, but all of whom, as far as I know, are committed to something much greater than their individual selves.

Often, I shake my head questioning just why I've been blessed with such a remarkable father. And mother, but for now we are focusing on my father's side of the family. 

So thank you to all my Rios uncles -- for what you've done for your families and for who you are as men -- a precious combination of super-stern when it comes to your morals, and ridiculously funny. From someone who has always felt so blessed, in large part because my grandfather Juan Rios Torres raised his son Joey to be a man I can honestly and easily call my hero. And I know my sister and brother feel the same. 

LOTS OF LOVE,

Jessica