09/20/2025
Mi Abuelo
My grandfather lived his life loudly, in more ways than one. He was lively, rambunctious- always cracking jokes, and laughing. He loved playing his music loudly- sharing the beats with neighbors to hear. He loved dancing, gardening, grilling, drinking beer, and eating with his family. He loved his family. There wasn’t a time I didn’t feel the depth of his love he had for me when I was in his presence. He was proud of his family- proud we are here to carry on the legacy he built with the love of his life, my grandmother.
He shared his history with me- how he grew up in Puerto Rico- he taught me about our shared Taino Arawak blood. He told me sanitized stories of his service in the United States Army and how he met my grandmother. He told me stories of his brothers and sisters- the large family he was raised in. He taught me about my roots and yet he encouraged me to strike out on my own. As long as I remembered where I came from- and remembered the fire within my Bermudez blood.
As we all reflect on our time spent with him and the memories we shared, I encourage us all to embody his liveliness, his love for life and family. To play our music a little louder, to dance, to laugh, to smile. To look at our families as a gorgeous piece of living breathing art- depicting our lineages and our futures.
May we all love each other as warmly and fiercely as he made us feel loved.
