On October 30th, 2017, Jesus called my dad up to Heaven. I know he
wouldn't have wanted me to mourn his passing for very long. He knew
where he was going and he looked forward to it but I can't help but
miss my crazy, stubborn, loving daddy.
He would do
anything for anyone who needed him. His humble servant way of life
taught me what a Godly man looks like.
He didn't say
“I love you” with words very often, but he always said it with
his actions. Like sometimes working two jobs just to provide for his
wife so she could be home to raise us 5 kids. Like making family
traditions out of church and New York pizza. Like helping us buy
houses, welcoming new babies, fixing our cars, and being there when we really needed him.
My dad was a
bit of an oxymoron. Kind and harsh. Hard and soft. A mystery and an
open book. Humble and proud. Generous and stingy. He certainly had
many layers to him.
In spite of
all the trauma he experienced early in his life, Efrain “Freddy”
Rivera went on to become a great father and grandfather. Life will not be the
same without him.
I will be
eternally grateful for the solid foundation of truth that he helped
me build my life on. In the end it was his commitment to Jesus, his
marriage, and his family that defined him. He left behind a
legacy of faith on this earth that will live on for generations to come.
I love you
daddy. Can't wait to see you again.
