I Remember...

I remember when he was born. 

I recall being so excited to be an uncle. I was about 8 or 9 years old, so gaining a new title was one of the highlights of my young life. I met him for the first time in New York at my Aunts house, so overwhelmed at my new position in the family social structure I neglected to get his actual name. I think I called him something along the lines of Fabio, my parents, bewildered corrected me and said his name was Antonio.

I remember his laugh. 

During the summer months he and his younger brother would come to Boston to spend some time. Back then I was very possessive of my belongings and kept them at bay, no thanks to my little sister. That quickly changed when I learned they could be trusted with my stuff and wouldn't break anything. Unlike my sister who wouldn't ask, take and destroy what she could get her hands on. She also learned something this summer, because that first time she encountered Antonio, he was just some kid who came in like a whirlwind into her room and her life playing with her toys. No doubt a result of me initially kicking them out of my room.

Those summers would always be ingrained in my memory as being the best of my young life. I remember, distinctly that everything was funny to him. He has this infectious laugh "NYUCK, NYUCK, NYUCK, NYUCK, NYUCK!" Like the Three Stooges but in rapid succession. We found it stupid, but hilarious all at the same time. I will never forget it.

He had a way of leaving an impression on you, even if you only knew him for a short period of time. I remember when he came to visit one summer, and it was a summer when a group of my high school friends met him for the first time. We, being the "responsible" teens that we were ,decided to combine one of Antonio's newly introduced memes with a telephone. And it went a little something like this...

*RING*RING*

Unsuspecting Victim: Hello?

Responsible Teen: Hello, have you seen DeVein?

UV: UH, DeVein?!

RT: Yeah, DeVein.

UV: DeVein who?

RT: DA VEIN ON MAH DDIIIIIIIIIIIICCCCCKKKKKK!!!

I don't have to tell you that this made our freaking night, not to mention our summer.

In Like A Lion, Out like a Lion

You ask anyone who knew him and they would say he entered their lives like a hurricane. Unlike actually storms, this is one you wanted to stick around. Unfortunately like all good things, this storm came to an end two weeks ago. Antonio was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident and even though he's gone, he left such a presence when he was alive that it doesn't feel like he's gone. It's been one week since we laid him to rest, one of the most difficult things I or anyone in this family has had to do. It is something that I do not wish to repeat.

He was a family man, always making sure his mother and brother had what they needed. He did what he wanted, and died doing what he loved doing, and that was living life to the fullest. 

Many thanks to all of you who have helped this family get through this trying time. Thanks to the hundreds of people who came to send Antonio off. Nephew, you did in 22 years than what most don't even accomplish in a lifetime. You left your mark in the lives of so many, ensuring that everyone will always remember, allowing your spirit to live on.

You will be missed dearly.

Comments

[pickalicous]

clearly loved by good people if not great. Feel like I knew him... be good Holder's

[Maeghan]

Ill never 4get that summer..... im so sorry Dwayne...

[Mosef]

I believe we played hoops with him years ago. That was a fun time.