This past weekend was very hard for me. I learned that my very good friend Alberto C. Rafols had just past away.
Rest in Peace my good friend…
Alberto was more than a good friend, he was my best friend, like a brother, the Godfather of my daughter. We grew up together back in Puerto Rico; same neighborhood. And great times we had together. We spent a lot of time together, had great times together, at school, at the beach, cycling, the girls, doing crazy things, and playing freestyle and Ultimate Frisbee and hacky sack; we were pretty good at it at a time when the sport was very new, and we even won competitions and appeared on local TV. We had so much fun together. And the many times that got in trouble together too. We were kids.
Life can take unexpected turns…
And while I haven’t seen him in years, here I’m remembering the good and bad times that we spent together. Over the years we grew “apart” as I moved to the USA, where I’ve been so heads down doing what I’ve been doing for many years now. And sometimes we forget of what is important. But Berto you always be on my mind. And I wish I could take it all back, and had been there for you, when he needed me the most. I’m sorry.
And I remember and I cry. And I remember the good times, and I try to comprehend why? And I think and write, which helps me comprehend a bit more about this very sad event and about life.
As I try to comprehend the loss of Alberto, I scramble to find pictures of him. And I found a couple, including the one below from 9 years ago. There they are, Berto and Luis, my two best friends, both lawyers, husbands, parents… and darn good friends. I wish I had more photos of him, of them, but I guess we just spent the whole time having a good time and forgot to carry a camera. I will ask my parents to see if they have more photos. Tomorrow I leave for Puerto Rico and will spend time with my parents and with my friends, and remember Alberto.
Life is way too short… let’s never forget about what really matters.
And as finish writing this, listening, I remember all the good times, and I smile. Love you my good friend, my brother… You will always be with me…
ceo