To the Greatest Grandfather in the World: HAPPY 81st BIRTHDAY!!

April 10, 2010. Today would have been our Grandfather's 81st birthday. Back at home, they celebrated his first death anniversary and birthday at the same time and held a family reunion and thanksgiving as well (for my cousins; Alisa [M.D.], Ice [RN], Steven [Culinary Arts], Jasmine [RN], and Dreidelle [RN]). They chose this date since it's vacation time there so everybody can attend. His first death anniversary was on March 9, but because almost everybody and half of the family live in the city, they had to reschedule it.

How I wish we could have been there to celebrate this day with our family. I know it won't be a very happy birthday celebration since the "celebrator" is no longer with us, but it's family time and being with them gives enough comfort to each and everyone of us. Right now, that's all that matters - being there for each other. I honestly am wondering how our Grandma's doing and dealing with this right now. I am sure, above anyone else, she's the one hurting the most and how I wish we could make it better for her. But, she's a very brave and strong woman. I know she'll be fine.

I want to write so much about how grateful I am to God, that for 23 long years, Grandpa was a big part of my life - and even if he's no longer with us, he will always be a part of our lives. All I could say right now is, he was the greatest man I have ever met in my entire being, the greatest Grandfather anyone could ever have, and the wisest man I have ever known.

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDFATHER EZEKIEL!! WE LOVE YOU AND WE MISS YOU VERY, VERY MUCH!!