In Loving Memory of "The Godfather"
My mom told me I have an angel watching over me now, but to be frank I always felt that way when you were here anyway. You've supported and impacted my career so much, I find it fitting to dedicate this one to you. In fact, you were one of my consistent blog readers and commenters that pushed me to continue to write. You made sure I had the tools to be successful, including the laptop I'm using to write this. I love you, I miss you and I hope I continue to make you proud through both my career and personal paths.
The Personal Path
If there had to be just one thing I've taken away from you, it's that it is okay to have a big heart. Being kind and sensitive is actually a strength, not a weakness. You were never afraid to be yourself and you'd give the shirt off your back to anyone in need of it. Not many people do kind things without an expectation of something in return, but you always did. And not only that, but you were happy to do so every time. In the same breath, you held true to your thoughts, beliefs and feelings, and you didn't stay quiet until your points were made. In fact, you made a point to tell almost everyone I know that you were the reason my parents met. You were never afraid to remind them either. And I thank you for that, because I wouldn't be here if you didn't speak up to make my dad turn the car around.
Your laugh was contagious and your life moments were sometimes unbelievable. Like the time the dentist lost his tool and you found it in your hair while driving home. If I'm not mistaken, that tool is on your desk as a reminder of how much you hate the dentist. You always had a way of making people laugh at things that would happen but never let those moments get you down. The memories alone of the stories you'd tell are something that will never fade away. Our family would bring them up on purpose just to hear your laugh. No matter how cruel and unfair life and people can be, I'll never stop pursuing the higher ground and being a good person because you never did either.
You were and are an amazing role model. And while I know you'd sit here and argue that because you're not perfect, no one is and that's actually what makes it even better. All of the imperfections and crazy moments make it harder to stay genuine and true to yourself, but you never had a problem doing that.
The Professional Path
I've always had a laptop with the Microsoft Suite loaded onto it. You were the only fan our softball team had in the stands at an away game and you took photos and cheered the whole time. Extra innings and all, you had our backs. When I realized I was interested in photography, you sent me your camera so I could learn and pursue a passion. You sent me on a trip I looked forward to since day one of my advertising class in college to tour advertising agencies in New York City. All of your love and support were shared without hesitation. It's not only shaped who I am as a person, but it's helped me pursue and fall in love with my career path. To know I had someone in my corner, someone cheering me on and someone who was genuinely just as excited for my success as I was is a blessing I'll never take for granted.
I know you were so proud of me and impressed by all of the things I had done at a young age. You never had a problem telling me and I already miss hearing you say "hey girlfriend" in that voice you did when we'd catch up and talk about all of the work happenings. I'll continue to work hard and make you proud doing the very thing I love. I hope to live up to the "the future of advertising" standards.
Your Love Lives On
Our time was cut short and the loss was unexpected. Thinking of you is bittersweet because I only have happy and loving memories that fill my heart and mind, but they hurt because you're no longer with us. People like you, René, are so rare and seem non-existent now a days. While you won't be here physically to talk to, or hug, or laugh with, you will live on when I put hot sauce on my eggs, eat oysters on the half shell and quote lines from The Godfather. You are someone everyone should aspire to be more like. Your heart was always in the right place. I love you. Rest easy. Take the cannoli.
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