On This Day in 2005... 😭

On this day in 2005... my only grandfather that I actually had the privilege to meet (Abuelito Layo) passed away at the age of 88. (Tears are producing in my eyes, so I will keep this short and sweet.)

Not a day passes by that I do not remember my grandpa, his smile, and his tilted hat (pictured above). My grandpa would literally wear his hat tilted all day, everyday. I also remember how he would kiss my forehead every time I kissed his hand (said "Bendicion"). Through all the smiles, there were also sad times. My grandpa battled the last stage of Alzheimer's disease. It was hard for both him and the rest of our family seeing him suffer. I sincerely believe that he is in a better place now.

Te quiero mucho, Abuelito Layo! Espero que estoy haciendo usted muy orgulloso!

Rest in Peace, Boots! 😭

Today, my family, my neighbors and I mourn the loss of our beloved kitty, Boots. (Literal tears are falling upon my keyboard as I am typing this...)

Boot's manner of death seems to be undetermined. He was perfectly fine a couple of days ago, and his health began to decline for some strange reason.

Boots was such an energetic cat. I remember how Boots did not want us petting him for nothing in the world (due to the fact that we were complete strangers at the time) when my family and I moved into our current home. But then he began warming up to us. I believe that Boots really loved us as much as we loved him because he was always at our house, meowing his little mouth away. Also, every time that we had to go somewhere or got back from somewhere, Boots always welcomed us by jumping over our neighbor's fence and sitting in the middle of the driveway to greet us. My mom said that Boot's last, loud four meows was dedicated to her when she was calling out for him. We will never know if he was meowing saying "I love you!" "I will miss you!" etc.

I will always remember Boots wherever I go. Rest in peace, Boots! I will miss you, but I will never forget you buddy!

Below are some of the hundreds of photos and videos that I captured of Boots during the time that we knew him.