Luis Ochoa-Carrillo

My Papa is the best man ever to me! My Papa has always been there for me:) My first important memory was when he would take me to preschool in my Barney stroller and come to the field trips with me. Everyone loved my Papa, my friend Moises and Jonathan " Colitas " would call him Papa too even if they were traviesos and my Papa would tell them to behave. Loved it when my Papa would take me to the park after school or when we were bored. It was either La Palma Park with the awesome tire swing or Pearson Park to go se the ducks. He was always right there next to me never left me alone to go sit down while i played, even he was tired. He didn't trust anyone.

The advice my Pap gave me was " no te dejes" if kids would pick on me at school even they bigger than me. I remember the first time I got trouble for fighting and being terrified since he was going to picked me up. When he walked in I felted scared but all my Papa said " estas bien?" when I said "si" all he said was "pues vamonos" I asked if I was in trouble and since I didn't start it he said "no".

In my life I never wanted to disapponit him, I wanted to show him that I would be fine and make th right choices. I had many friends but the majority were boys. At first he didn't like them because he knew they were trouble especially the ones that look like " cholos". My Papa has nicknames for all of them. Some funny and some he nailed on the dot. The name were "grenudos" or " The Beatles", you had "panson", "flaco", "el chino" or "orejas". They all earned my Papa respect by being polite and respectful. In a way they admired the relationship my Papa and I had.

When my Papa started getting sick. I didn't understand because he was my Papa and invincible, this couldn't be happening to him. He would get through it. I didn't like seeing him in the hospital with all the IV and monitors. My Papa would always tell me "I'm fine and will never leave you". When I made the choice and decided to leave my home ( big sigh) was one of the hardest choices I ever did. He's my dad, how could I leave him? He told me to do what you think is best. I realized he was telling me I'll be fine with what ever you choose. I always called or skyped with my Papaand his doggy son Samson would always get in the way. Darn dog loves my Papa and I know my puppy is having a rough time not seeing him. Samson has always been very overprotective with my Papa and is hurting not being able to see him anymore. Oh my Papa... being able to see you two weeks ago was the best thing ever even if you were in the nursing home. It was great hanging out with you. The best part was Joe getting to meet you and seeing you smile and give out a big laugh.

Papa te quiero mucho con todo mi corazon y que suefles con los angelitos!

From Patty " Catari " Carrillo