On February 17th, I will remember someone’s birthday. On February 19th, I will remember their passing at age 67. That someone is my grandfather, who to me is and forever will be My Uva.

I received an e-mail today from my Uncle who remembered it was his birthday coming up and he wrote me one of the nicest messages I have read. He had met him while here vacation many years ago and so he mentioned how he remembered how great my Uva was… how quick he was to make friends and offer help. When I finished reading it I felt at such a loss… a loss that, almost on a daily basis, I feel deep in my heart. Sometimes it’s just a quick pang of regret and others a moment of pure agony.

Eight years ago my grandfather past away suddently of a heart attack. My family & I lived almost an hour from him so we raced over to meet them in the Emergency Room. Because it was only two days after his birthday I had his birthday card with me when we went to see him… hoping he would be alright. I Unfortunately, only his body was present. I kept thinking, “Did I tell him ‘I love you’?” last time we spoke for his birthday… “Did I tell him how much I cared?” So many things pop in your mind when you lose a family member, especially suddenly. I knew that none of it mattered because from then on my life would change… and it did. So many things have past in these eight years. I graduated High School… received countless awards he would have been proud of seeing me get… graduated from UIC with two Bachelors… and will become a doctor soon enough. All these things in my life that feel somehow less exciting, less interesting… less everything… without him there to appreciate it.

My Uva was the best grandfather I could have ever dreamed of having. He was so dynamic. One of those people that you will never forget even if you tried. He was a true Cuban… loud, proud, and smart.  He would buy cars like most people buy a new outfit. You didn’t like the color of his new car… he’d go the next day and trade it in. It was so much fun because he’d buy a new car and as his grandkid you were the first to get a ride about town. He would make these noises while he drived… like a police siren as he sped along Montrose Avenue. He’d hold your hand and play old classical music on a trip to the groceries. It was the coolest thing to sit in the front seat with him. It was like you were on top of the world. I even think he let my brother drive one time when he was just a 5 or 7 year old. No one will ever be like him and I’m so happy he was my grandfather.

I know from up above in a world so high he still remembers to check up on us and brag about us with all the angels. He loved to brag about his grandkids to everyone. I could meet someone new who’s known him and they will already know all about me. It’s pretty nice. I love it and I love him. Today, and every day, we remember a great man, and especially a great grandfather. Happy Birthday Uva!