The Process

J’s home. He got home around 5 or so looking tired and sad. He told me the funeral was packed. A full Catholic rite in a standing room only church. The actual burial was done with full military honors; a twenty one gun salute, a color guard, etc. Pretty much the entire older Hispanic population of Brownsville turned out according to the family. Chacho was one of those people who reached out and helped anyone and everyone. His life was one of open-handedness and kindess, I am told.

Nena is holding up well. I suppose it “helps” that Chacho was ill for so long. Rick (J’s stepdad and Chacho’s son) broke down during the ceremony and J helped him and held him. I hope this leads to a greater mutual respect and caring for each other.

I am left with a profound regret that I never got to really talk to or get to know Chacho. He was a unique person and had one of those lives that people will be talking about for the rest of their lives.

Godspeed Chacho.