Reinaldo Amado Leon

My dad was a man who loved his family with his whole heart. And there was never any question about how much he loved us. He adored his family, and we adored him right back. He was the kind of person who made you feel that family was the most important thing in the world.

His story began in Cuba. At only nine years old, he left the place he knew and came to a new country to begin a life he could never have imagined. At thirteen, he met my mom. Four years later, at just seventeen, they were married. Together, they grew up, built a family, built businesses, and built a life side by side.

They were partners in every sense of the word. They worked together and faced life together throughout the years.

My dad was always there for us.

He was there for our birthdays, holidays and celebrations. He was there for family gatherings, vacations, and all of those moments that sometimes seem ordinary when we're living them, but become priceless once they're gone.

Looking back now, I realize that some of the greatest gifts he gave me weren't things at all.

They were moments.

And some of my most treasured moments with my dad were on horseback.

My dad was a true animal lover. A real Dr. Dolittle as liked to call him. But he had a special love for horses. He always spoke about his first horse, Sol. And somehow, that love became one of the most beautiful connections between the two of us.

Throughout my life, my dad and I would go horseback riding together.

I can still think about what it felt like to be beside him, riding together. Those weren't just horseback rides. They were our time.

There was something so special about being out there with him, away from everything else, just the two of us and the horses.

I didn't know then that I was collecting memories that I would one day hold onto so tightly and now only wish for just one more trail ride with him.

Now whenever I see a horse, I know that a part of me will always look for him.

My dad also had another great love—baseball. He especially loved the New York Mets. If you knew him, you knew that baseball was part of who he was. And I know that right now, he's up in Heaven watching a game and probably has an opinion about how they're playing.

Those little things are what make a person who they are.

The baseball games.

The horses.

The family celebrations.

The vacations.

The businesses he built with my mom.

The memories.

The love.

That's my dad.

And now, the hardest part is learning how to live in a world where I can't call him, hug him, sit beside him, or make another memory with him.

There are so many things I wish I could tell him.

I wish I could thank him for every birthday he showed up for, every holiday, every vacation, every family moment.

I wish I could thank him for every horseback ride.

For being there.

For loving me.

For being my dad.

And most of all, I wish I could tell him that his love made a difference in my life.

Papi, you gave me a lifetime of memories, and those memories are something that no one can ever take away from me.

Your life may have ended, but your place in my heart never will.

I will carry you with me in everything I do.

I'll see you in the things you loved.

I'll think of you when I see a horse.

I'll remember you when I watch baseball.

I'll think of you during holidays and family celebrations.

I'll tell the stories about you, because I want the people who come after us to know the incredible man you were.

You were loved.

You were cherished.

You were important.

And you were my dad.

I love you, Papi.

Thank you for giving me a lifetime of memories.

Thank you for every moment.

Thank you for every ride.

And thank you for being my father.

Until we see you again, we'll carry you with us—in our hearts, in our memories, and in every part of us that you helped create.

Rest peacefully, Papi 🤍

I love you. Forever.