Hey Gonz! I can’t believe and never even vaguely expected that I would be writing to express our friendship and how much you have been part of my life and well-being in all these years. I still remember the time we met at Sanctuary on October 26th, 2003. From then on, our friendship just grew and we became like family almost!
I can never forget the awesome times we have had, whether it was socializing after Church, your giving me a ride when I was a poor Grad student whenever I needed, dropping me home after my late night classes from San Jose State, spending time at your office and cleaning your desk at SJSU, being the counselors’ counselor at the Royal Family Kids Camp, meeting for coffee/lunch/dinner whenever we could, watching Bollywood movies, cooking together, having some “healthy” arguments on politics, some deep and authentic sharing in our Men’s Group, or exploring to great depths of what was going on in each other’s personal and professional lives at any time.
Can I even start listing some of the greatest qualities I saw in you and how inspired I have been through those? The list will be too long and endless. But I loved how you so cared for people, no matter how they were. You consciously made an effort to make people feel welcomed and cared. You were so genuine in your words and never cared to impress anyone or any group. You thought you did not belong, but at the same time used that to make the real outcasts totally belong. You always aspired for a better world! You always questioned yourself as to how you could live a life that would be meaningful for others. You ensured that people will see your life and understand the meaning of being a true Christian. You always spoke for the marginalized, the oppressed, and the “others” in general. Every table you were a part of, you always reminded people of the society, the culture, and some if its shortcomings and what we all can do to change it. You were such a great son, brother, uncle, and friend. You were so dedicated in your profession. You had so many laurels in your education, career, and all other associations, but yet you were always so humble of all that! Every opportunity you had, you insisted on making a difference. You were such a great man! This list can only serve as a starting point to even summarize your achievements and greatness!
I still can not believe the fact that you are not going to be with us anymore on this earth, but I know for sure that you are at an even better place now, and constantly watching over us. We will certainly miss you physically around here, but I know all our great memories will remain with us forever, and nothing can take those away from us. We love you, and I know for sure you will love us as you always did! In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, your friend and brother always… Alfred
Alfred Jude,
Sunnyvale, CA
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