DON LUIS REDONDO

DON LUIS REDONDO 1921-1996 Hola Jefito. I'll bet you're sitting around with my uncle Henry, my uncle Lalo and Jerry Lewis telling jokes. As a man grows old, as I have, it is sometimes difficult to look in the mirror. But I don't find it hard because when I do, I see you. You never told me how to treat people. Every act of kindness I have ever shown another person is because I was trying to be like you. I was a fat kid and guys would bully me and challenge me to fight. You taught me to never throw the first punch, but to make sure I always threw the last. I knew when you weren't around and didn't have my hand, that you always had my back. I remember that you tried so hard to stay with me. You never said I'm leaving. You never said goodbye. It seems like there have been a million times I have needed you. If love could have saved you, you never would have left me. I've learned that my grief is just all the love I want to give you but cannot. It just builds up in the corner of my eyes and in the hollow part of my chest. But I have the consolation of knowing that one day you will take my hand again and we will walk together. I'm sorry pop, I don't want you to see me cry. I'll be okay, just tell me one of your corny jokes. My mom says she saw you again, standing in the kitchen door. We'll talk in a dream. one that deserves more sleep. Su Hijo Bobby.