RIP Uncle Abe

My dear tio (uncle)- my mom's brother - died unexpectedly in November. My mom, her brother and her sister took a trip to Peru (they were all born there). I think their trip was planned for 10 days - to do genealogy work. Uncle Abe passed away on the 4th day. Long story short, we believe he bled internally throughout the night. In the morning, he basically passed out in the bathroom. My aunt and mom ran to his aid. He didn't make it...and died in their arms. :(

This picture is on their way to Peru.


I can't imagine the pain and sorrow they went through; not to mention how traumatic the whole situation was. It was/is so sad. My mom and her sister miss their brother terribly, but have also grown closer in the last few months. After all, they are all they have left. They also had a younger brother who died at a very young age (26, I think?) from an asthma attack. And both of their parents have passed. Now Tio Abe.
This is my uncle Jim and aunt Gigi; Abelardo's kids, Joyce and Alfredo; and my mom and dad.

Life is short - and if nothing else, you learn from these sad experiences that family is SO important. "Love One Another" rings loud and clear in these moments more than ever. So do it! Love each other.

Another positive that came from this was seeing my family. I hadn't seen my brother, David, for about 6 years. Seriously - how sad is that? Miraculously, we were all able to be there (in California) for my uncle's service. That, was a pretty wonderful thing. In fact, I'm pretty sure my tio planned it that way...for us. :)
SOME cousins and other family members.

Trying to take a picture with my cute Tia (Aunt) Gigi, and there is David...being David!



Saying goodbye at the airport. I was trying to take my jacket off for the picture, but Paul snapped it early and I just love the way my mom is smiling in this picture. :)

RIP, tio Abe (Abelardo). Love you!