After Dad's passing, Cesar would visit mom almost every day after work. He was retired but worked at the Federal Court House part time because he just could not be idle for even 5 minutes. He would sit and talk to mom and inventory the house for things that needed to be fixed so he could fix them on the weekend.  Cesar's compassion for others didn't limit him to helping friends and family. On occasions when he was working as a Border Patrol Officer, (which he loved with such a passion) he would give up his sack lunch to some of the illegal aliens. Cesar had a sweet tooth and often carried candies with him.   He sometimes gave those out as well. Before he became a border patrol officer he was a police officer with the Laredo Police Department. He was always doing good deeds at that job as well.  One example of that was when he stopped to help an elderly couple on the side of the road to fix their flat tire. The elderly couple was so moved by his kindness that they actually took the time to write a letter to the Laredo Police Department. When Cesar was off duty he would often visit Mom and Dad. They happen to live by Nixon High School. Many parents would park by Mom and Dad's house to wait for their children to get out of school. I remember there was a mother with small children parked by the house in over 100 degree temperature. She could not get the car started. She was in luck because Cesar was there. He went over and pin pointed the problem then left to get a part for the lady's car and he fixed it. I know many of you that are reading this are thinking of a time when he offered his services to help you with one project or another. That was just the way Cesar was. Those of you that know me know I am a very independent individual, however after my divorce, Cesar kept a vigilant eye out for me. He was always waiting in the wings for anything I could not handle. Those days did present themselves. He helped me pack up my son's things to take to San Antonio when my son went off to college.  He helped me bring down my son's broken cars when they were inoperable. He helped me so much. Sometimes he would just talk to me. He would reassure me that everything was going to be okay for me and my children.  He often told me that he admired my strength and my determination. Well, life changes us though circumstances and experiences.

After Cesar's accident life was not the same.  The strength and perseverance Cesar saw in me paled in comparison to his. He fought battle after battle with his health and limitations that would crush most of us. Cesar was my hero. I saw how he worked so hard day after day to get to succeed in the tiniest of victories. Despite all the pain and suffering he incurred before his passing he was never bitter or angry. He was always extremely loving and grateful for all those who cared and prayed for him.

I want to thank my Sister Letty, and my brothers Ralph and Jorge and their spouses. Each of them played a huge role helping Cesar at different points in his life. All sacrifices big and small did not go unnoticed or unappreciated by Cesar. He asked me to thank them and to tell them he loved them. I told him I would do that for him if he passed on a few messages to Dad for me. I asked him to let Dad know how much we miss him and to let Dad know that we are carrying out his wishes of loving and looking out for one another and remaining united and as a family.