I consider him to be my greatest role-model. He took care of me and my siblings when we were young in the province of Dagupan City, Philippines. I still have clear memories in my head when I was a little boy. The most vivid picture I see whenever I think of him is the mornings and the evenings I see him pray. I was a scared little boy who was afraid of the dark and of being alone. I remember sleeping beside my grandparents and my grandfather would wake up early in the morning. The sun is not even out. The rooster hasn’t even alarmed us yet. He would just sit…quietly and hold on to his scapular and Rosary. All I hear are whispers. He eventually makes the sign of the cross and heads out to the backyard. He’d make a warm fire on the clay stove and start cooking rice. I remember walking out one morning with him. It was cold and you can still smell the freshness of the ocean breeze. We’d sit and he’ll answer questions I had about life and God. Those were always good topics. He’d take me to church, we’d walk really far.

My grandfather taught me a lot of things too. How to cook rice, how to make/fly a kite, how to make a slingshot, and other crafts like paper airplanes and so forth. He was a trumpet player, even the accordion… I shared his love for peace and the simplicity of life. He has a good heart. I am thankful for the blessings I have received through him.

The last time I saw him was last Christmas, I hugged him and felt peace. He was happy to see us. He’s message has always been, “If it’s in His will… then let it be.“ This week, I’ll go to Seattle… not to say goodbye, but to share what a great man he was.