I wrote this to them, though I know they may not be ready yet for peace and understanding -- because understanding the whys and hows of this is something only God knows. All that is left are the trails of tears and confusion as everyone stumbles to pick themselves back up and find a way to cope.
Here's to you, Garcias, with so much love.
Things I love about Jerry and the Garcias.
Number 1…has to be Ann’s chicken tacos …and I was there for
dinner every time they were on the stove, and especially when Grandma Garcia came
over with rice. I pretty much lived with the Garcias every Friday and Saturday night growing up, “baby-sitting” the boys with Tiffany, or just hanging out every day after school before volleyball or softball practice, so I became privy to the dynamics and hysterics.
Jerry always fell asleep with his mouth open and the snoring
began instantly. I know you can picture
him….And even though Ann always tried to get him upstairs he would snore away
until the middle of the night before going up to bed.
The way Jerry cheered during an OSU game, with a beer in
hand, a big cheese on his face and lots of high-fives.
Jerry…the master corn-hole partner. You wanted on his team.
No one could help but laugh at all his corny jokes (it’s a
Dad staple)… and with the Garcias, we are always laughing.
Ann would yell at us for encouraging him when we couldn’t stop
laughing, and in the end she couldn’t help herself either.
I remember our trips to volleyball or softball practice in
his super-fly, little red hoopty of a truck, and he always tried to have us
shift the gears for kicks.
Jerry, I love the way you were always so genuinely happy to
see Tiff’s friends when we get together, usually at your house -- since that’s
how it’s been since Jr. high.
And you are just genuinely happy, period.
Recently, I messaged Tiff as Journey’s “Lights” was playing
on our radio and I was reminiscing on my love for this family when Grandpa passed
away a few weeks ago. And whenever this
song came on, Ann and Jerry would find their way together for their song. Their love for their family and each other is
evident in their embraces, their scolding, their support and their laughter
together.
Jerry, I love how you loved your family more than anything
-- it was so easy to see that in your face and feel that in your hugs. I’ll never forget the look on your face every
time Ann, Jeremy, Jordan, Tiff and Tajjj were all by your side, with your
closest friends sitting on your patio and playing cornhole or quarters. So many good times, so many memories, so many love
and laughter-filled events.
Ann, Tiff, Jeremy and Jordy – I can only imagine how scary
the world looks without your husband, your father, and Brayson’s grandpa. The
anguish that has been brought to you to carry seems too much to bear, and the
losses have been so great. I hope you
find some comfort knowing that you are his whole heart, pride and joy. Grandpa Garcia has another best friend and
angel with him, and you are their legacy of SO much that is happy, loving and good.
Jerry, I still can’t believe this is happening, but on your
way to the happiest place that you can imagine, I wanted to make sure you heard
one more time how much we all love you and know you will always be near. Our thoughts will always be with you, your
place no one can fill.
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