Legacy

On October 7, 2020 - I lost my best friend, Sarita Martinez.

If she were here, we would be sitting at her kitchen table dunking butter cookies into our coffee.

If she were here, I would walk in the house and immediately see her sitting on her chair - I would kneel and grab her hands and gently raise them to kiss them.

If she were here, I would hear her call me by my favorite name - ChaChee.

It is a precious honor to be able to share the story of a Mother, Grandmother, and companion who had an immeasurable influence on my life. My reason for being intentional about building a legacy.

If you knew her, you know why I must honor her. In honoring her, I honor the best in myself.

My entire life, she dedicated herself to bringing a gentle and peaceful presence. The type of presence that would remove any level of anxiety of fear. The type of presence that made me want to become more then I am.

She is my fragile hero - a symbol of hope

And no matter my flaws, she would do whatever possible to help heal my wounded heart.

She wanted so desperately, that I become part of a bigger purpose.

There was a greatness in her, but vulnerability too.

The enduring connection that I shared with her will live within all of me forever.

My last memories of her are as heroic as the first because she lived her life admirable and courageous.

She carried herself with so much grace and humility. 

When I think of My Abuelita, I hear her voice asking me to never forget her. She always made sure to say “I hope you don’t forget about me” before I left her house.

Her admiration was inspiring and I hope to live my life as she did hers – fearless. Her bravery shook the world.

I believe my purpose moving forward is to understand how to properly live in her expectation to ensure her legacy lives on.

 She would ask me to remove any self pity or doubt - and to live my life like something remarkable was going to happen. If I learned anything from Grandma, it was the ability to believe. Belief is what gives us the will to live.

Her will to live was as big as her God.

She taught me about the possibility of love and forgiveness.

She taught me how a simple conversation over coffee can become your fondest memory.

And that no matter how hard or chaotic my world may become, Grandma will always be there to make all the monsters and agony disappear.

Ever since my Grandma stopped breathing, I too have struggled to catch my breath.

She was my North Star. Without her, I would have struggled to find direction. I relied so much on the strength of her spirit and she never let me down.

Grandma’s love is something that no one can explain, it is made with deep devotion, sacrifice and pain. It is endless and unselfish. Nothing can destroy or take that love away.

I looked up to her sense of humor and her ability to find joy in almost every situation. We would often joke and smile, despite the heartache that we felt.

My final promise to my Grandma was to become a rich man.

Initially, it was related to money – then I received a visit from her in my dreams.

The message she delivered was to become rich -

Rich in happiness - Rich in love - Rich in my ability to forgive.

Being rich means that you don’t lose sight of what’s important.

This Christmas, I am extremely grateful to know whats important.

I hope you do too.

Salud,