RODRIGUEZ TORRES, Pedro

Our dad, Pedro Rodriguez, left this world and reunited with his two daughters in heaven. Even in our heartbreak, we hold on to the peace that he is finally with them again.

He was the youngest of eight, but somehow he grew into the strongest person we knew. He told us the real stories of his struggles coming to this country—never for sympathy, but so we understood why he pushed us to study, to work hard, to stand tall, and to never accept less than what we deserved. He wanted us to be brave, to be kind, to help people, and to go see the world while we’re young. Those were his words, over and over: travel, enjoy life, don’t wait until it’s too late.

He was proud of us. He said it often, and he meant it every time.

Dad loved nature and planting—nothing made him happier than watching something grow. He always dressed well, always cooked with love, and he loved our mom with the kind of loyalty you don’t see every day. His whole world was her and his three daughters.

Now two of those daughters are holding his hands again. We imagine that reunion, and it gives us strength.

We miss him more than we can say, but we know he’s finally home—surrounded by the love he carried with him his whole life.