The last time I saw "Grandpa Ozzie" before his death was at Kristi's graduation. He was so proud of "the baby" as he called her. I cherish the fact that I was blessed with this time to see him spry and full of his famous "witticisms." At dinner that evening he proudly looked over the table at Kristi and I and said "look at what I produced!" It always struck me that he was never one to boast about his own accomplishments but couldn't get over the achievements of his family. I know one day I'll see him again in heaven. I imagine he'll be in his tweed jacket and cap, a giant smile on his face and say: "There she is!"
My own college graduation. I hope I will look this cool in my 90's.
Grandpa posing with 2 out of his 4 "princesses."
He loved and respected my mother. He once told my older sister Julie,"that woman is no lemon."
Here he is walking with style to Julie's wedding with his older son, Peter. At the funeral, Uncle Peter gave a touching speech about grandpa. He was a simple man who loved his country, his family, and helping the many people in his community in need. Yet, he still remains a bit of a puzzle.
There are so many stories and moments that Grandpa took with him when he died. After the funeral, I looked at hundreds of pictures which provided a window into the younger, more mysterious life of Osvaldo Espada. What has always remained clear was that he served his country with Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
He would say about every man and woman in service: "Those guys, they are no lemons."
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