My children:

This is your grandfather. If you are seeing this, it is because I wanted to leave you something better than things: I wanted to leave you my stories, so they are not lost when I am no longer here to tell them.

I remember the afternoons in the garden, when I taught you to plant and you got your hands dirty, happy. I would tell you "this takes time to grow, you have to be patient," and you looked at me as if I were crazy. But look: you grew up, and every day of waiting was worth it.

I want you to know where you come from. You come from hardworking people, stubborn for the right things, who loved fiercely. When life weighs on you, remember that. We carried harder things before, and here we still are.

Do not be sad reading this. I had an enormous life, and you were the best part of it. Take care of each other. Water whatever you want to see grow.

I love you more than words can reach. Your grandfather, Manuel.