Merry Christmas, Papi.

Merry Christmas, Papi.

What can I say. No words will ever truly measure how much you mean to me. Opening gifts without hearing your jokes or being told to pick up the trash does not feel the same. Today was always your favorite holiday, not because of the gifts you received, but because you understood that the greatest gifts were already yours. Seeing your family together, enjoying one another’s company, with no expectations, only love, joy, and peace, all flowing from the abundance of the Father’s love that filled your heart. That was Christmas to you.

Today was special to you because it showed that all your hard work was not in vain. The many sacrifices you made so your family could live the dream of being together. Your desire was always to give us what you did not have growing up. You were never trying to prove a point. You did everything out of pure love for us. You understood that everything the Father gave you was far more than you could have ever imagined. You knew where true unconditional love and generosity came from, and you gave out of the abundance of the Father’s love every single day.

Thank you for teaching me that Christmas is not about wrapped gifts or a Christmas tree. It is about the gift none of us deserve, Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus, I was given you, a father who feared God and loved Him with his entire life. Because of Jesus, I learned what it means to live for God by watching you live it out every day. Because of Jesus, I received one of the greatest gifts of my life, you. Even in this season of grief, I see God’s hand holding us, steady and near. Thank you, Jesus, for saving my father. He meant everything to me, and that will never change. I will forever be grateful.

Papi, I want you to know we miss you deeply today.  Every tradition we kept, every moment we shared, was done in your honor. I know you are with us in our hearts. You are the best father I could have ever asked for. One day, I will tell my children about Christmas memories with their abuelo, and your legacy will live on through us. I know there will be a day when we walk together on streets of gold, filled with laughter and love. Until then, we hold on to the hope of that reunion.

Te amo mucho, Papi.

Your daughter, Melissa.