Julia L. Velasco

Hi Tita, So many years later. 2023. Just came from the Phillips Gallery and saw some beautiful Braques. Told my friend what a wonderful artist you are. Are - because you live on through me and with me, and I will always keep you in my pocket. Hope you were looking over my shoulder at Braque’s masterful painting of philadendrons. Sending you a big hug and a kiss and always missing you. Sending you and Papi much love. Thank you for loving me and shaping me. Un abrazo de tu chanchi panchi.

You and Papi were like parents to me while I attended college in Miami. For this I'll always be most grateful. Also, you and my own dear mother shared the beautifully lyrical name of "Julia". Perhaps you now know each other as you watch over your family and my mother over hers.

Dear Tia Julita,

Many wonderful memories. Visiting you at work in Havana where you worked for many years with my mother Estelita in the same office at Regalias. You always welcomed me with with a big smile and a joke to make me feel at ease in an adult world. You always treated me as a person.. not a child. When I had my children you were there, even though miles away, sending love. And when I went through all my challenges, from losing my mother to my health issues, you were there with support, love and prayers. Our many conversations were fun and inspirational. Thank you for the art and love of you. Now you are with all your wonderful sisters and brothers. Las Lopez Gutierrez, your father and mother and with the great Tio Fermin. Thanks for continuing to watch over us. Much love always Tia Julita. tu sobrina, MariaPan

Mamita:
How happy you must be, now that you are pain free and all suffering is gone. There must have been a party waiting for you, with your adored Papi and Mama heading the way! You did so much, in so many ways. Your tenacity, dedication,responsibility,hard work in times of great adversity and the example you set for your daughters and grandchildren will never ever be forgotten. You were a woman of substance.
Every Jan. 21 on my birthday, you were the first to call me, and even when your mind was gone, I would call you so that you could wish me "Happy Birthday". So, Mami, on this Jan 21, the first one without you on this dimension, I reach out to you for guidance, protection, and to help us in this difficult journey. I wish you so much love and Light. I love you, Mami, and I was blessed for having had you as my mother.

Tita,
The following have been invaluable to me: your patience, intuition, desire to be helpful, our phone converstions, all the moments growing up where you were the beautiful grandmother and woman I looked up to, and could speak with. And now, as a spirit, you're still fully in my heart, and just a thought away, knowing you're around because I get the chills to proove it! You are an angel Tita Pita! [Stick up thumbs, hunch the back, stick out tongue, make gassy sounds] I salute you like that, since I know you're laughing up there, and thank-you for impacting my life. :)
Always lots of love,
"Achy Pachy"

I miss you Tita and love you very much.

Many,
Thank you for all the wonderful memories. I will never forget you.
God bless you.
Manruco