Wednesday, December 16, 2020
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The past few days have been the most difficult ones of my entire life. Never could I have imagined the loss of my brother Armando.
My baby brother, my guardian angel since I could remember, always at the ready to protect and defend me if ever an inkling of disrespect or danger. You'd make sure the boys never overstepped boundaries with me. It didn't matter that you were 6 years younger than I, you never, EVER, backed down. You were a spunky little boy.
I remember when you were born, we were all so excited and couldn't wait to meet you. I remember when mom and dad brought you home from the hospital, you were the cutest baby ever, so tiny! During the early years, I recall family gatherings and all the cousins playing hide-and-go seek and you, being the tiniest, you would find great places to hide, such as inside mommy's china cabinet or inside the closet underneath all the blankets or that one time you almost gave mom and dad a heart attack because you dangled outside a 7th floor window..... Thank God Arnold and Tito FOUND you and that daddy held your arms while Tio Arnaldo pulled you safely back in the house. No one knew how you climbed out like that... what a scary afternoon that was for us all.
I loved the endless hours we spent playing in our backyard, climbing trees and climbing on top of the garages so we could jump them all. The endless summer hours, we took turns swinging in our "tire" swing or cooling down with the water hose on those hot summer days. Weekends, daddy would take us to Bayonne Park to play baseball. You were the youngest but you held your own. You'd hit the ball and run the bases while we'd try our best to strike or tag you out. You were fast and played hard. There was also the time we spent by the pier, near the fields, what is now called Liberty State Park. Who knew what was in the Hudson River but...who cared? I remember the time you played hooky and thought it was a good idea to play in the fields and go swimming on your own. You were so fortunate that guy spotted you and came to your aide when you got the leg cramp. Or the time you ran across the street on Ocean Ave., and got hit by the Bergen Lafayette bus. You should have gone to the hospital but mom and dad bathed you in epson salt and bandaged your cuts and bruises. They nursed you until you were up and about again. I remember that snowy winter day, NO SCHOOL, and we built a giant snowman in the backyard. You found and handed me the best rocks to place on the Snowman's eyes, nose, mouth....WAIT! Why are these rocks melting in my hand? Yep, they weren't rocks Mando, they were pieces of frozen TURD!
As you got older, you made life long friends who stood by your side through think and thin. I took a while to apply for my drivers license but you always said, when you're ready Jack, I'll teach you to drive and you did. As soon as I passed my written test, I called you and you said you'd be right over. You came in your big car, and you were so patient with me. Over the next few days, we drove all over Jersey City for hours, 80s music playing full volume on the radio.
The years flew by and BOOM, we're in our 50s. I'm grateful that the last few years gave us the opportunity to spend some quality time together to hang out just a little more than prior years allowed. I enjoyed the times we shared having lunch or dinner. I enjoyed our talks, our walks, our calls, texts, everything. I'll cherish them forever.
Things never came easy to you and too often you were misunderstood. You were dealt many challenges, misfortune and heartbreak seemed to find you. You suffered in love and struggled to find peace from your losses yet you always had love in your heart and a sharing spirit. You didn't have much but you always shared what you had with family and friends. You loved each and everyone of your children ~ Christina, Amanda,, Melanie, Stephanie and Brandon.
We had a special bond, one of love and care. Every text message and phone call ended with an "I love you". In my heart, I feel that you will always be by my side as you were when you were a little boy, protecting me. You are finally free of all your pain and suffering and reunited with Abuela, mom, dad and Tito.
Rest in eternal peace, Mando. Until we meet again.
I love you. Free Bird
