Today is one of the saddest days
I've experienced in a long time. A father, grandfather, and dear friend
has left this world. Of all the people
I’ve met, Mr. Abel Noriega was one of the most gentle and kindest. Each person that he touched with his life
he’s left behind in them memories of his gentleness and kindness.
A fond memory that I continue to cherish took place during my college years. For one of my classes our assignment was to write a paper about someone whose job we admired and what made their job unique. I remember that without hesitation the first person that came to mind was Abel. Through the help of my friend I was able to interview Abel who during the interview gave me the impression he was surprised that I seemed so interested in interviewing someone that simply painted for a living. A painter is usually imagined as man in overalls, equipped with a bucket of paint and a paintbrush. After all how much could you really need to be a painter? You'd be surprised to learn that it takes a special person to be a painter. On that day of our interview I learned about not just a man that painted lamps for a living, but about a man that could see beauty in the simplest of things. A man that came from humble beginnings. A man that was loyal to his job even in the toughest of times. A man that took pride in his work. A man that eventually reached the American dream, and yet still remained gentle and humble. A man that was one of the fortunate people to meet the love of his life at a young age. A man that loved his children. A man that could have practically built his house brick by brick. A man whose home was a reflection of his artistry. After that interview all these things that Abel was became more evident to me every time I visited my friends in his home. He was always loyally and joyfully working alongside his wife on new home improvements. I believe in my heart that Abel had all the necessary tools to be a painter, a father, a husband and more.
Additionally, one other thing I won't forget is when I would hangout with his kids and family at gatherings. He'd always ask how the rest of my friends were doing. As adults our group got busy with life. Somehow every time he asked this question it was like a little reminder that no matter how busy life got we should make take the effort to make time for one another.
On this day of remembering and appreciating life, I feel confident that each person in our group of friends is remembering him and the great person he was. We all have memories of the little things he said or did; His welcoming smiles, handshakes or hugs. Our hearts and thoughts go out to his family – Nancy, Andres, Irma and his beautiful wife Gloria.
During this difficult time, I'm reminded of all the qualities that this simple man possessed. Mr. Abel Noriega, you were not just a mere simple painter! You were an artist that left a splash of paint in every heart you touched!
A fond memory that I continue to cherish took place during my college years. For one of my classes our assignment was to write a paper about someone whose job we admired and what made their job unique. I remember that without hesitation the first person that came to mind was Abel. Through the help of my friend I was able to interview Abel who during the interview gave me the impression he was surprised that I seemed so interested in interviewing someone that simply painted for a living. A painter is usually imagined as man in overalls, equipped with a bucket of paint and a paintbrush. After all how much could you really need to be a painter? You'd be surprised to learn that it takes a special person to be a painter. On that day of our interview I learned about not just a man that painted lamps for a living, but about a man that could see beauty in the simplest of things. A man that came from humble beginnings. A man that was loyal to his job even in the toughest of times. A man that took pride in his work. A man that eventually reached the American dream, and yet still remained gentle and humble. A man that was one of the fortunate people to meet the love of his life at a young age. A man that loved his children. A man that could have practically built his house brick by brick. A man whose home was a reflection of his artistry. After that interview all these things that Abel was became more evident to me every time I visited my friends in his home. He was always loyally and joyfully working alongside his wife on new home improvements. I believe in my heart that Abel had all the necessary tools to be a painter, a father, a husband and more.
Additionally, one other thing I won't forget is when I would hangout with his kids and family at gatherings. He'd always ask how the rest of my friends were doing. As adults our group got busy with life. Somehow every time he asked this question it was like a little reminder that no matter how busy life got we should make take the effort to make time for one another.
On this day of remembering and appreciating life, I feel confident that each person in our group of friends is remembering him and the great person he was. We all have memories of the little things he said or did; His welcoming smiles, handshakes or hugs. Our hearts and thoughts go out to his family – Nancy, Andres, Irma and his beautiful wife Gloria.
During this difficult time, I'm reminded of all the qualities that this simple man possessed. Mr. Abel Noriega, you were not just a mere simple painter! You were an artist that left a splash of paint in every heart you touched!
Love,
Yaya
