Roselynn Hernandez

Emiliano

My grandpa was a musician by heart. He played the violin and the guitar but also sang with the calm, soothing voice he had. He listened to the OG’s of música ranchera, like Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Antonio Aguilar, and Pedro Infante. Despite this musical side of his, he was a serious man who loved my grandma very much, as represented by the small canvas above, and he would dedicate some of those romantic lyrics to her. Together they had eight children, all of whom miss him in their own unique way.

My abuelito’s favorite fruits were bananas and he loved tequila, hence the Jose Cuervo, especially after a long day at work in the sun. The small Rosario hanging by the canvas represents his religiosity. Mostly forced by my grandma, he managed to become a devoted Catholic who instilled in us, his grandchildren, the importance of believing in God. We would share moments of wisdom while playing loteria or simply watering plants at night under the glistening stars, represented by the shiny stones laid out by the tiny sugar skulls and the fairy lights.

The incense sticks and their aroma are one of my favorite memories I have, which is the meaning behind why I placed them right in front of his main photograph. He would light them up and his entire home would smell like jasmine or roses. Sometimes we'd carry the smell onto his small ‘84 Honda. Last but not least, a small Mexican flag is near the base of the altar to signify his roots and his beginnings, his Mexico lindo y querido, which he left behind to provide for his family. He was the first to come to the US for a supposed better way of life and his children and my abuelita followed his steps soon after. Ultimately, Emiliano, my grandfather, made his mark on this earth and continues to live in the hearts of his successors!