May
06
My friend Mario is the kind of guy you would normally meet once and never forget. I met him back in 1993 while we both assisted to a local Computer School. We later ended up working together in ABC Color.
My friend Mario is the kind of person who hates being “just another brick in the wall”. He can’t just stay in line, nodding his head and smiling just because everyone else does it.
My friend Mario is the kind of father who would give up a 12 years old job as the Chief Engineer on the most successful Newspaper in Paraguay and move to Miami because he knows that’s what it takes to achieve his goals, even if it means taking 3 different jobs to provide for their 2 kids, Mario and Stefanie.
My friend Mario is the kind of friend who would not only run the extra mile for you, but he’ll actually pick you up and carry you down to the finish line if he has too. He’s the kind of friend who will tell you “There is not a single problem in this world, that you can’t solve by listening to some good Salsa music”, would turn the volume up and start dancing around.
My friend Mario was diagnosed with Leukemia and was hospitalized in Miami last Saturday. My wife, Martin and I are devastated by the terrible news and we can’t even imagine how his family must be right now.
I can’t describe the impotence I feel for being 4000 miles south from him, which is why I’m trying to make the necessary arrangements to fly up there so I can be with him in this difficult hours and while I pack, while I get in line at the airport, while I nod my head and smile at the customs officer, I’ll be praying and hoping Mario was right: there isn’t a problem on this earth that can’t be solved with a good salsa song.
Gloria Estefan and Celia Cruz
1
Sorry to hear about your friend - He sounds absolutely awesome.
I myself received news of my stepmothers terminal illness last month and knows first hand how awful it feels. And how useless one self feels.
Hoping for a fast recovery. Best wishes!
2
Juanma, G, and Martin,
I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. I will keep Mario and his family in my prayers.
Besos,
Rebekah
