So I was in Walmart the other night with my little brother and I found a bottle of agua florida. I am ashamed to say I opened the bottle just to smell it. I was raised by my grandfather and everytime he shaved he would splash on agua florida as after shave.
My little brother Joe is going to Puerto Rico in 2 days and I am feeling home sick already, aside from my son Jonathan he is one of the only people who keep me grounded. I went to Puerto Rico with him last February and was finally able to see my grandfathers grave. It was as if I had never left. I walked into the cemetery and walked straight to the grave. . .it was only 14 years ago I was there and I remembered the place like if it were a route I took everyday. I spent a week in Puerto Rico feeling like home. Though I was raised here in Forida, Puerto Rico felt right. I felt as if I were home in my roots. Even though my grandfather Felix is not alive I felt closer to him while I was there. It was sad to come back here to Tampa but here I am everyday surviving with the ittle bit of memories I have left of grandpa. It makes me sad sometimes to think that I do not remember his voice like I used to when I was a kid. So this brings me back to Walmart and my shameless attempt to reignite a memory. I sat there and I inhaled the agua florida and without a mistep I remembered what a hug from my grandfather felt like. I remember what it was like to inhale my grandfather. It was a good memory to recapture and a succesful attempt 🙂 I sat there for a moment and it was as if life were catching up to me and I was reliving those little simple moments that made me happy. . .Grandpa made me happy! 🙂
No matter where he is. . .no matter what turns out of beliefs, I hope I can see him again and I hope he looks out for my Joseph while he is in Puerto Rico 🙂
I love you grandpa!! 🙂
The H is Silent 