Goodnight

On Aaron's baptism, Grandma Beatrice and Grandpa Jose, 1975.

Gpa Joe and Aaron, late 70s.

On Aaron's 30th birthday in 2005, with Grandpa Joe and Grandma Bea.

Andres-Jose Villanueva and his great-grandfather, and namesake, Jose Villanueva, in 2007.

Aaron saying goodbye, August 18, 2012.

*          *         *          *

Good night, sweet king,

you did your part.

You fought and worked, 

now la fiesta can start.

Your labor is done, 

You’ve done your best.

You’ve overcome,

and now you can rest.

Good night, sweet king,

good night, Grandpa Joe

God knows we’ll miss you

but you’re ready to go.

We can hear you now, 

we know what you’d say,

"I’m ready to meet God,

Get out of my way."

Let it pull you out, 

like the ebb on a fishing line,

rock with the music

like a strong base line.

That old truck on blocks

is running again,

get behind the wheel,

take it for a spin.

Find the new day

bright and waiting

don’t let us slow you,

because we’re all fading.

Take off the gloves, 

the fight is done.

You’ve done your part,

And you’ve finally won.

Grandpa Joe was a boxer in Texas as an orphaned kid growing himself up on the streets, and married the cute 14 year old Beatrice when he was 21.  He fired ground artillery at Nazis in WWII, and when he learned I was of German descent he could still drop pick-up lines auf Deutsch.  He worked a great deal of his life as a migrant worker.  Eventually he opened and ran a highly successful Mexican Family Restaurant in Sunnyside, Washington named (appropriately) La Fiesta, where Aaron bussed tables from age 11 to 17.  Jose fathered 11 children with Bea, over 30 grandchildren, and nearly 30 great-grandchildren, and counting.  He was a stern father, dedicated husband, and humble man, always praising God.  And he loved his mariachi musica!

Of Joe's five boys, only Mario had sons to carry the Villanueva name, Aaron and his brother, Isaac.   In 2004 Isaac was blessed with the most beautiful little girl, Mirabella.  And in 2006 Aaron was blessed with a healthy son, and named him in honor of his grandfather.  Andres-Jose, named in the old Castilian manner with the mother's name and father's family name blending, as done since before the Conquistadors arrived in this hemisphere.  

Tonight Grandpa Jose is breathing every four minutes and is no longer responsive after a stroke he suffered last week.  He has opted out of all life supports.  We visited him last weekend in Wapato to say goodbye, and to pray over him.  Please join us in prayer that he is confortable and at peace, and that the massive Villanueva family finds stride with one another other at this difficult time of loss.  

We love you, Grandpa Joe.