Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Its with a heavy heart I write these words of condolences in honor of Mr. Felipe Ortiz. While I am relieved to know there is no more suffering of medical conditions, and he is reunited with parents, brother and other loved ones who have gone before him; l am also grateful for the memories he imparted in my life during my development. There are a host of men today who share with me the sentiment I'm about to share.
For years you opened your gate and home to me. "The Corner" was a safe haven for us in the North End. You had rules and enforced them whenever we stepped out of line. The respect was ever present though. Thanks for playing with us, cooking for us, laughing with us all, while demonstrating how to be responsible and respectful young men! Lessons learned in your yard prepared me for adversity and challenges I managed in my early adulthood.
You are gone physically but will carry you in my mind/heart. Thanks for the stories you shared and time we spent together! As I shared - all of us who leaned in on your fence for years all remember, will never forget who you were to us! Thank You Mr. O.. RIP
