Manuel De La Torre

Last week on November 10th, my dear friend Leslie got the news that her beloved grandfather, Manuel De La Torre, died very suddenly due to a heart attack. Leslie and her family are heartbroken, but this loss is made infinitely more devastating because of the U.S.-Mexico border, which has kept much of Leslie’s family separated from Manuel for years. Even now, Leslie’s father is not able to return to Mexico to mourn the loss of his father alongside his family.

Everything that Leslie does is for her community. She is a dedicated and passionate immigrants’ rights advocate, and she shows up every single day for her friends, family, and community. Right now, Leslie’s family needs our help. They need the support of our community to help cover the very high cost of the unexpected medical and funeral bills. If you have anything at all to spare, every dollar helps.Thank you so much in advance.

I’ve asked Leslie to share a few words about her grandfather, which I will share below:

“My abuelito, Manuel De La Torre, was a very handsome, funny, and caring person. He lived in La Liebre, Jalisco, with his wife, my abuelita Aurora, and his sons and daughter, my tios and tia, who loved him deeply. Even though it was difficult for him to show his emotions, I could tell that he loved each one of us dearly. My dad tells me that my grandpa was a very hard worker, and that he demonstrated his love for his family by working long hours in Mexico, usually farm work or other manual labor, back breaking work, to be able to feed his family. My dad came to the United States to be able to support his family financially. Although it was incredibly painful for him to leave his home, he did so because he knew it was the only way he would be able to help them make ends meet.

My dad and grandpa had a very special relationship. Even though the masculine patriarchal traditions forced my dad and grandpa to talk with each other on the phone and pretend not to miss each other, I knew that my dad’s inability to go back to Mexico hurt his heart every week when they talked on the phone. When I was about 15 years old, my dad’s parents were able to visit for the first time with tourist visas. Seeing my dad and grandpa interact was incredibly heartwarming. Although their hugs were quick, and no sweet words were exchanged, I could feel their love for each other.

I have many sweet memories in the years I got to know my grandpa, and I loved him dearly. While he was here, and the times I was able to visit him in Mexico, I really liked spending time with my grandpa. He was funny, he always had a comment that made my whole family laugh. He was very talkative, and everyone loved being around him. I thought it was funny how much he liked pizza when he would visit. He was also very sweet with my little sister, Marifer, and would play with her toys and show her affection.

The last time I saw him, I was visiting my family in Mexico, and went to his house to bring him some tacos dorados. We sat in the living room and he listened to me talk about all the things I’m learning in law school. I talked about the hands on experience I’ve gained in immigration law, and he asked me about my dad and when he’ll be able to visit him in La Liebre.

The news were sudden, and my family was heartbroken. My father’s inability to return to Mexico because of his status has been a traumatizing experience, not only for him, but for my sisters and I who feel there’s nothing we can do to help. Losing a loved one from across a border is one of the worst feared nightmares of people who leave their country to support their family. My parents have both experienced this incredible loss. It has left us feeling hopeless, frustrated, and defeated. I grieve not only the loss of my grandfather, but my father’s loss, and that of his entire family facing this separation more intensely than ever.

I would really appreciate any help with the unexpected medical and funeral service bills my father has to take on. He is the only son he has that is in the United States, so all of my dad’s family depends on him financially. I would love to help him in any way that I can, but because I’m in law school, I’m unable to help with money. Anything helps.”

We are so grateful for your time, attention, and contribution. If venmo is preferable for you, please send funds to @LeslieDLT