To say this story is sad is an extreme understatement. Unfortunately, it's about trauma, resilience, and the will to continue. My 41 year old brother Gabriel Hernandez, father of 7 children and grandfather of 2 grandchildren has suffered the loss of his partner of 15 years and his 4 year old baby boy all within a year; his heart beyond shattered dealing with so much loss. Gabriel made a commitment to care for his sick partner dealing with debilitating diabetes for so many years. His partner Trenace, mothered three children but unfortunately, she suffered a stroke while pregnant with the last child who was born with severe cerebral palsy, short intestine syndrome and seizures. The last 5 years my brother has been a full-time care provider being in and out of hospitals, weekly doctor visits, therapy visits, not only for Trenace but for Baby Santos as well. Trenace fought for years with the help of my brother; however, last year weeks before Christmas, Gabriel suffered the loss of finding that his love had passed in the night beside him one early morning. Trenace left behind my brother and 2 young daughters; now 9 and 6 years old along with her baby boy Santos who continued to need full-time help.

Last week on Nov29th, my brother Gabriel found that his baby boy Santos also earned his wings in his sleep and now is with his mother. He had so many health issues since the day he was born and is no longer suffering. Unfortunately, the trauma of finding your loved ones passed is something that will live within a person for a lifetime. My nieces and nephews have had to see ambulances so frequently at their home that it had become commonplace for them. This loss has affected everyone in the Hernandez family but mostly the young ones who have had to learn so early in life on how to accept the loss of their mother and brother.

To tell you a little more about my brother Gabriel, not only did he have the daunting task of caring for two bedridden family members whom he loved dearly, he still found the time to be an umpire for a high school baseball organization. He has spent the last 10 years being involved in the association where he has become a highly sought out umpire known for his commitment, dependability and professionalism throughout the Michigan area. Not many of the baseball players know about the story and struggles that the umpire's make to ensure that the games go on; about the loved ones who depended on my brother and the sacrifices the children had to make as their daddy had to work. My brother is the personification of the word resilience. The will to continue when you are traumatized, beyond emotionally sad, but still have the will to show up so the games can continue. Gabriel, an umpire known for his calm character, would work all weekend long, out of state and work tournament after tournament; all the while having the inner turmoil of his loved ones who depend on him so intensely.

How does life go on after such trauma and loss? The Hernandez family asks that you find it in your hearts during this month of giving and remembrance for someone who has been there for our baseball community of Lansing and surrounding areas to help support the costs of the funeral, therapy and living expenses while his family gets through this loss.

For years, my family has wanted to send Gabriel to umpire school in Florida where he can be trained to work for professional baseball organizations. He already has recommendations from local coaches and organizations, but has never wanted to leave his partner and baby boy to attend this training. More than ever, this goal needs to be accomplished to help my brother's family recover financially but also help him attain some joy in his profession where he enjoys umpiring. For the love of the game, the love of our family, and the love of our community, please help support Gabriel Hernandez in this time of need.

You can donate here or on cash app directly at $GSH36