My cousin Papo had such a great, big heart and for that alone, I know he has a place in heaven. He gave his love to all -which at times- can be so rare to find in this world. He gave his time and attended meetings in which he spread awareness about issues that affected his community. He lived modestly but would give the shirt off his back to help anyone in need. He treasured any opportunity to spend time with friends and family. Anytime I was in New York, he always made it a priority to see me. I have so many fond memories of places we went and restaurants we ate at. And when visiting was not an option, he was only a phone call away. 

He was so many things to me. So much more than a cousin. He was also like a father to me. He always told me that he loved me and that he was proud of me in the way that a father should tell his children. And with those simple actions, he filled the spaces in my heart that had been empty most of my life. 

There are not enough words in the English language to adequately express how profoundly I will miss him. However, my life was made better because I knew him.

The legacy he left me with is that you have to love in order to be loved. We are all sinners. But that doesn't mean we can't do great things. It doesn't matter what we lack or what our flaws are. Our lives can still mean something. Telling someone that you love them can change their life. And that is how we can change the world. For that is the way that Papo left his imprint on all of us. 

RIP Luis!!! May you rest with the angels. 🙏♥️

Love Vivian x.o