Carlos had a heart attack, and he's on life support. His brothers are with him now in Seattle, and want to have him buried near his mom in Phoenix. I want to make sure they don't have to worry about funeral expenses. It's the least I can do as a friend. Please donate if you can. It would mean a lot to me and the family.
I'm Joey, and Carlos was my friend since 4th grade. Our first interaction was him putting "itching powder" from a tree on my back as a prank. I then returned the favor by grabbing him by the neck as hard as I could, followed by him twisting my arm. That was our relationship in a nutshell. Joking aside, he was the best friend someone could ask for. He had my back regardless of how stupid my ideas were. I hung out at his house or our friend Pedro's house almost every day after school until we graduated from high school.
He was born with the gift of creativity, intelligence, and unbelievable stubbornness. Now I realize that his true gift was bringing people closer together. He didn't need or want recognition for doing that, so it was easy to miss. Having heard the news, I picked up the phone and called some old friends. Even if 15 years have passed, you pick up the conversation as if no time has passed. I'm sad because I won't be able to do that with Carlos anymore.
The last thing I want to mention is that as the youngest of his brothers, his mom really urged me to look after her Carlitos. Even though he was much taller than his mom and me, we tried our best. When she passed away, I think part of him died with her. That's why it's important that they be buried near one another.
If you knew Carlos, please write a comment about a memory you had. I would love to read them, and I'm sure his family and friends would too. Also, donate if you can. He is donating his organs to help others in need.