Saturday, December 8, 2012

In the loving memory of Father Dragon, "The Great"



Our lives are marked by the people we meet in our path. Every human being leaves an impact on others. Today, the one dragon that taught me to dream, the one who initiated me in the wonderful world of books and writers and fantastic places has left this world.

He was Father Dragon, "The Great", also known as "Grandpa". He was the most spectacular of all story tellers, able to mesmerize two dozen children for endless hours. He was the wisest being I've met, the bravest. His willpower and determination to overtake any obstacle or illness was worth of legends. He taught me about his greatest love and passion: knowledge. Sky was the limit for him and he was larger than life.

If I would make a list of all the things he learned during his long life, I would never end. There was one thing that always identified him, his willingness to laugh. He laughed at good jokes and bad jokes, he laughed in health and in pain. He laughed in wealth and in poverty. He laughed his way through life and the last thing I saw in his face was a smile.

I was highly honored to meet this wonderful one of a kind soul and I was blessed to learn from him. I'm proud to say the very best I've got in me comes from him. The very first and original Al Diaz.

Godspeed, Alfonso Diaz. I know we'll meet again, in my stories, in your stories, in every magic world where wise dragons exist and in that timeless place where all spirits gather sooner or later. Godspeed, Abuelo.



11 comments:

  1. Life is lighter with laughter. Sounds like he was a wise man.

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  2. A lovely tribute to a great inspiration.

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  3. I'm so sorry for your loss. What a great privilege to know people that change who we are then become a part of who we are. Like a finely woven tapestry, their lives and influence become a part of our essence.

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    1. Thanks Julie, yes it is a privilege and I'll try now to make him proud. :)

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    2. Something tells me you've already accomplished that, Al.

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    3. Agree fully with Jeff.

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  4. A most fitting tribute to what sounds like a great man. I never knew him, but you took care of that.

    I gave you a Shout-Out on my blog today. :)

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    1. Thank you David. I plan to let you all know more about him. :) Bits by bits, the treasure will be revealed. :)

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