Wednesday, December 4, 2019
THE BERNARDO I KNEW
I remember the first time I met Bernardo around 1966. I was a child and, I think, he had arrived in Cali on his and his family's first trip after settling in the United States of America. From that moment on, all my memories with him, and of him, are full of his joy, good humor, but especially his warmth and generosity. It's something that simply overflows with any other example of what an uncle normally produces in his nephew.
Over the next 55 years his expressions of affection, endearment and love were the predominant traits that allowed me to see a human being truly kind, like very few others, and that allowed me to build one of the most beautiful relationships that I can remember in my life. Such was our closeness that we were able to share deeply intimate, tremendously personal thoughts and feelings. And all this is what today, when at the end of his path I find myself exposed to the sight that I will never see him face to face again, I will hold on to, to say with a slight smile: What a pity that you are no longer here, but how good that we were able to live together so many wonderful things together! Thanks for that.
You will be greatly missed, my dear Bernie. You’ll be greatly missed by all your people. Your presence simply filled all the spaces, guaranteeing security, but above all an unquestionable love.
You lived your life, I believe, with the wisdom of those who achieve goals in the midst of what life allowed you, and that is why I say this to you from my heart today: Rest dear.... It's time. Rest in the peace of the God of your faith.
With evergreen love,
Darío
