Dear Luki,

A few nights ago, we had a big thunder and lightning storm. Your dad and I were worried that you would be scared from all the loud noises, but they didn’t seem to bother you and you slept right through the whole thing. I, on the other hand, laid awake in bed, looking out the window and thinking about the day of your grandpa’s funeral, tears streaming down my face. During the service, the church band sang a song called, “Peace in the Storm” about how God gives us tranquility, even during the most turbulent of times.

I can’t say I’ve come to terms with your grandpa’s death or that I understand why it had to happen. I still sometimes feel the urge to kick and scream about it. To throw a tantrum and declare that “IT’S NOT FAIR!!!” I don’t know if those feelings will ever go away, but I definitely believe that, without my faith, without my firm belief that your grandpa is with the Lord, I would have dissolved into a million pieces a long time ago. The entire family would have.

Your grandpa was a man of God, Luki. He loved the Lord and had a strong and unyielding faith. As you grow up, you may meet so called “men of God” who use their believes to pass judgement and foment hatred. Who consider themselves better than the rest, and refuse to associate with those who do not share the same faith. I want you to know that your grandpa was not like that at all. Instead, he reflected the character of Jesus by always treating others with humility, kindness, tolerance, patience, and love.

A few days after he died, as the flower arrangements and sympathy cards continued to pour in, we received a note from one of his co-workers, the contents of which I will never forget. It said:

One time, when I was going through a rough time in my life Ulises said to me, “if you keep God in your heart, everything will be alright.” I hope you can find some comfort in those words today.

I did find great comfort in those simple words that day, and I still do. Especially during the storms that come from time to time.

May you always keep God in your heart, my son.

Love,

Mom