Exactly one year ago, my Welo (Grandfather) came to live with us from Puerto Rico due to unforeseen circumstances. While it was difficult for him to be displaced from his home, moving to Texas was critical for his health & wellbeing and my family was able to share in the surprise blessing of spending priceless time together making memories.

He always had a funny comment to make and a song in his heart to sing. We enjoyed making new memories with him. He celebrated his 85th birthday with us, witnessed the full solar eclipse, attended church and worship concerts to praise God, watched me sing, voted in the U.S. Presidential election and so much more. Many of you stepped up and helped us provide necessities for him at a time when we needed the support of our community of loved ones, and we are extremely grateful for that.

Welito passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on December 12, 2024 while at home with my Mother. Today, February 21st, he would have turned 86. This was very sudden and we’ve been challenged with covering the costs that come with losing a loved one. We are now planning a service to honor his memory in Puerto Rico on March 8th. It was just not possible to do it sooner.

We are humbly asking for your support and assistance one more time, so that we can bring Welo home to Puerto Rico, per his wishes, and lay him to rest next to his Mother. Any donation is a blessing, no matter the size. We love you all and please continue to pray for our family as we grieve the loss of our loved one, Antonio Rivera, survived by his two loving daughters, Rosalind & Jennifer Rivera, and his six grandchildren, Meagin Ayala, Nicole Ayala, Khayla Sutherland, Taiina Ayala, Reina McNeil & Elijah McNeil.

Happy 86th Welito, we know you're smiling down on us and singing a song of joy.

Thank you all again!