Eulogy for Galito

Galito

Our friend, uncle, cousin, nephew. Only son of my parents. My dear sweet brother. You were beloved.

You were unwell for so long. But we can’t define you by your illness. You were more than that to us, don’t you know Galito?

As a son, you deeply loved your parents. One of my happiest memories of you, is seeing you return from fishing in Honduras with Dad, smiling from ear to ear, your catch held high. So proud. You posed for pictures, holding up your fish, standing next to Dad, with his arm wrapped around your shoulders. I could see by your bright smile how much you enjoyed that time, just you and dad and the open sea. How happy you were to share that adventure with him.

You and Dad shared that hot temper, and it often got in your way. But that last night, you kissed him “Goodnight.” You wanted him to know how much you loved him. And you knew how much he loved you.

Mama was your little queen. You loved looking for ways to make her happy, even if it was just finding Colombo on TV, and calling her over. You towered over her, and rarely missed an opportunity to playfully hug her, and affectionately give her a kiss. You were so close to Mom, that as unfair as it is to be standing here, I don’t think you could have ever been able to let her go to Heaven before you. You couldn’t live without her.

She loved you as only a mother can. Through Mama, you were understood. The two of you would have long talks when you were feeling down, and she wouldn’t rest until she’d eased your worries. Mama’s compassion for you was unyielding: plentiful and saintly. She was your best friend.

Through her and Dad, you knew unconditional love. God’s love was always there, even when you all struggled, because they would do everything they could to help you. Never were there two parents more devoted to a child than our parents for you, Galito.

You loved being Mara’s daddy. And were happiest when you were working, and could provide for her. Every penny you would earn would go to her. You loved buying her toys and fun things that you could enjoy together.

You wanted to be the best father you could, and you did the best you could for her. And she loved you so much. I am happy that you got to enjoy parenthood, and your daughter’s joy and laughter, that you celebrated her successes and everyday fun.

As my brother, I always knew how much you loved me. You always included me, even when you were hanging out with your cool friends in high school. Even when I wanted to wear your leather jacket. You’d take me out with you on the weekend, and you’d drive the Gold LTD, and we’d go to the lake or French Quarter, and you were always proud to have me by your side. And when you were playing in your band, I’d stand in the front of the crowd at the VFW hall, and make sure everyone knew I was your sister. I was proud of you too. I loved when you taught me riffs on the guitar, and staying up late watching MTV together, and all those years when we were so very close. Where did they go?
I remember the slobbery kisses you’d give—and I’d always complain that they were too wet, and try to dry off my cheek. What wouldn’t I do for one of those kisses right now? You loved intensely, and in so many ways, you were too sweet for this confusing, painful world.

No—I can’t define your life by your illness. There were too many good memories, and too much of a life before you got sick. Please forgive me, Galito, and the rest of us-- who thought you could change, that you had some control over your choices and behaviors. We were deceived by your disease, and sometimes, it kept us from being able to love you the way we wanted to.

While we are relieved that you have found some peace, it will take us much time to let go of the many joys we wanted to share with you. We weren’t ready to let you go, and were always hopeful that you would get well, and be the little boy, and young man that we knew.
If a man is measured by how much he is loved, then you lived a successful, bountiful life. You were loved, and those closest to you knew who you really were. You were that sweet boy, who gave slobbery kisses, and loved fishing, and wanted to be a rock star. And Oh How We Loved You.