Rafael A Ruano's Obituary
Like my nephew Harvey said after meeting Rafael, 'George he's a real gent', I couldn't agree more. I believe Ruano was a classic example of his parent's fine oversight combined with the La Salle education system and everything that is vivacious and attractive about the island of Cuba.
Many new residents to the place where Rafael lived said Rafa was the first person they met, possibly due to his heavy dog walking schedule, they all remarked that they felt so welcome and that they had an immediate friend, this was the Ruano personality that opened his 'abrazos' to all.
Not dissimilar to when I met Ric 19 years ago, a loyal loyal friend who you could not help but immediately like, his natural attractive personality and verve for life was a delight to be around.
He went about his religion dutifully, calling friends on their Saint days, attending Saint Magdelene church in Sunny Isles on Saturdays and regular visits to the cemetery where he is joining his parents, constant fresh flowers each week in the house in memory of his Mother and prayers at the Ermita de la Caridad from time to time, he had no interest in persuasion but by displaying his love of the church again was another example of his temperament and ability to think of others and do good deeds, I quietly looked on and again could not help but be attracted by his way, his simple devotion.
In illness, there was no complaining, if I was upset he told me not to 'knock him down', and I would get up and do the laundry (insert any task). If we were in a perdicament I'd tell him lets do the first thing first, or 'let me hear five breaths' and he would start moving his feet and this way we overcame almost everything.
Rafael, many many people genuinely love you, I can't thank you enough for guiding me and keeping my ship steady with your calm temperament, common sense and clarity of thought, I miss you so much, see you soon and we'll spend some centuries together, I can't wait, all my love, Babe.
Emily Dickinson: Because I could not stop for Death:
Because I could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality.
We slowly drove – He knew no haste
And I had put away
My labor and my leisure too,
For His Civility –
We passed the School, where Children strove
At Recess – in the Ring –
We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain –
We passed the Setting Sun –
Or rather – He passed us –
The Dews drew quivering and chill –
For only Gossamer, my Gown –
My Tippet – only Tulle –
We paused before a House that seemed
A Swelling of the Ground –
The Roof was scarcely visible –
The Cornice – in the Ground –
Since then – ‘tis Centuries – and yet
Feels shorter than the Day
I first surmised the Horses’ Heads
Were toward Eternity –
What’s your fondest memory of Rafael ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rafael ?
Share a story where Rafael 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rafael you’ll never forget.
How did Rafael make you smile?
