Mi Papá, Reynaldo Quiñonez

For those of you who know, my biological father has never been present in my life to help raise me. My wonderful single mother has done it for 20 years. It wasn't easy of course. While I was growing up she had to work most of the time. But she had the help of two super heroes, my grandparents. I had the best childhood because of them. I had the opportunity that most kids do not have: living and spending quality with their grandparents on a daily basis. I traveled often with them. Whether it was to Mexicali, Palms Springs Museum, or simply to the mall to go shopping, they always made sure I was happy and well (especially well fed). Every where we went he never hesistated tell people I was his daughter when they asked. He would proudly tell them, "Si ella es mi hija la más chiquita." - "Yes she is my youngest one." He took on the role of a father and taught me an abundance of stories about life. He is and always will be my father. El es mi papá y siempre lo será.

For everyone that knows him, knows he was a stubborn man and a jokester but had such a heart that worried and cared for people. He always wanted to make others laugh. If you had the privilege of meeting him at least once, he made you laugh or confused you because he told a joke you didn't understand.

On Saturday Feb. 4th, my aunt found him unconscious on the bathroom floor. He had an aneurysm and suffered severe bleeding that spread throughout his brain. He had to be transported to a different hospital to perform brain surgery. While being there for the past two days, a doctor told us that they have done all they can do. Most of his brain is not functioning. Only a few of his organs are working properly and he cannot breathe on his own. He is in a coma and on life support. It is only a matter of time before his heart gives up as well.

Due to the unexpected circumstances, my family was not prepared for another set of medical expenses or memorial service so soon. We do not know how long we have. But I know, because he shared with me often, that one of my grandfather's biggest concerns was leaving this earth knowing his kids were financially unstable. Therefore on behalf of my family, I appreciate any donation that can be made. From the smallest to the largest. TRULY, anything helps. The funds raised will go to help medical expenses, cremation and urn, and the transportation for his wish of his ashes to be spread along the Rumorosa, B.C., California.

Thank you friends and family. May God bless you guys with much much more just as you've blessed my family!

-with love, Gen