Juan Raul Guel

Lydia Bustamante 51w

Processing with the Littles

Last night we took our girls to the Día de Los Muertos altars at Niles. On their own, the girls proudly wore their buttons with you & Abuelo. They wrote individual messages to you and pinned them to the rope on the altar, sprinkled flower petals in a path to make sure he knows where to find their notes. Kindergartener Isabel wrote to you: “Dear Grandpa. I like wearing your hat. Thank you for the wallet. I miss you. Love, Isabel.” Annalise’s said: “ dear Grandpa, I remember you watching Ysabel while I was at school. Whenever I hear mariachi I think of you and Abuelo. Love, Annalise” Lots of arts & crafts with you & grandpa in mind. It was good for them to process their loss out loud together. Proud of their naturally healthy outlook. There’s a lot for me to learn from their tiny hearts. Pouring myself into the kiddos like you told me to, but geez dad, I miss you something fierce this week.

Christmas time without you

I miss you so much Dad. Merry Christmas. You gave me so many great Christmas memories from my childhood to my adulthood. Most of all you taught me how important family is and to appreciate and Love our traditions and keep them alive.

Papa Bear

I will always feel closest to my Dad in the mountains.

Tribute Bench

Your bench was installed last week. This will make it easier for us to relax and spend some time when we come visit you. I think you would have liked it. I miss you so much, Dad.

Lydia Bustamante 118w

Happy birthday daddy

On your 71st birthday today (the 1st I’ve ever experienced without sharing our birthday weekend celebrations), we caught the Newark Mariachi Festival together. You would have LOVED it. Perfect weather, light bay breeze, surrounded by love and culture, making new memories together with the kids. We couldn’t be more grateful for each other. Miss you so much daddy!

Happy Birthday Dad! I miss you so much.

So glad that I j have so many great memories with my Dad on his Birthday.