Dear Grandpa,
Your name was Ramiro Rojas and we never had the chance to meet each other in person. You died when I was only three years old on October 31st, 2001 from diabetes and sometimes I wonder what would have happened if you were still alive. My Spanish has immensely improved over the years, especially since I barely spoke the language when I was young. I'm sure our conversations would have been fascinating and thought-provoking since my mom did describe you as a talkative and intelligent man.
She mentions that you did not finish past elementary school, yet you had the intelligence of a person with a high-school education. You were very wise and often gave valuable advice to those who needed guidance--it reminds me of myself at times; maybe I inherited this trait from you, who knows?
The most surprising thing that I learned about you was that you briefly stayed in the United States during the 1970s. It was here that you discovered the harsh reality that without education, you cannot succeed in life. My mom told me you washed plates and cleaned vegetables for a living; that what you did was hard, manual labor and when you returned to Mexico, you made sure that your children would never experience the same fate as you.
While my mom did not finish beyond junior high school, she ensured that I would continue my higher education. If you were alive, I would probably have shown you my high school diploma and recount my college experience as a first-year student at Barnard College. Education is something that I value the most and it was because of you that instilled this belief in me.
My mom also shared how you were an incredible tailor with the skills of a professional; you just merely watched and learned yourself. Also, according to my mom, your penmanship was the most beautiful writing she had ever seen. You're just full of surprises, aren't you? I wonder if you have other hidden talents that even they don't know about.
Example of my grandpa's penmanship written on a photo in January 1972
Although you are not here with me, you indirectly shaped who I am as person today. I grew up with a mother who loved and admired her own father and she made sure I knew that as well. In fact, all my aunts and uncles--your children--appreciate everything about you since you were role model to all of them; and you are a role model to me as well.
Sometimes when I look at pictures of yourself, the first thing that sticks out is your smile. It was genuine and full of charm and I guess maybe that's why grandma fell in love with you. You were wise and intelligent despite having an elementary education. You were confident and adventurous; hardworking and honest... traits found in a true man.
My grandfather sitting on the left as he shares a drink with a friend.
As your granddaughter, I feel truly lucky to have you as my grandpa. While my first memory of you was visiting your tomb in Mexico, I can assure you that you will never be forgotten. I know you are watching me grow up into the confident, young woman that I am today. I know you are proud of me that I am continuing my education and so that I can become somebody in life one day.
You were taken from this world too soon, but your legacy lives on through me. As long as I am here, you are here as well. I will make sure to honor what stood for and hold those values close to my heart because I know they will steer me in the right direction.
I miss you grandpa and I hope that one day we will see each other again.
I promise you that.
Sincerely,
Your granddaughter.
