It was a hard year for our family. We nearly lost our dad several times. My Dad lost his brother, my mom lost her cousin, we lost a friend and we lost our cat of thirteen years, Mama. I couldn't find the motivation to build an altar. We wanted to invite our families for a visit but every time I thought about what I might do this year, I would feel deeply sad. In the end, we didn't build an alter but I did make us a nice dinner on Day of the Dead, we did light candles and said we love you Uncle Sev, We love you mama, we love you Frank and lit a candle for each person. Ava was a little bummed out that there wasn't more notice given to her and Breyne and I allowed a few tears to fall that were unnoticed by the girls. Breyne said to me, It was a really hard year but it was a really good one too. He is right. I never thought my Dad would make it to the end of the year much less dress up as Manny Ramirez for Halloween.
You just never know with my dad. His childhood nickname is Leon which means Lion in spanish. You will never hear my dad's brothers or their kids call him by his name, Joe. It's always Leon or Uncle Leon. I don't know why he has this nickname maybe it was some sort of prediction of his future. My Dad has the heart of a lion.
