The last time I saw my brother, Ralph, was the day of Mama's funeral at Rose Hills Cemetary. We decided to stop by the 99c Store over on Hacienda Blvd. and Gale Avenue in Hacienda Heights. When we got out of the car and Ralph saw us, he looked so happy. I walked over to him and gave him a big hug. I saw tears in his eyes... I told him that Mama died and that we were just at Rose Hills for her memorial. I gave him the program; Mama's photos were on it, and I knew he would cherish it-- as he mourned her loss. Camera, Chester, and Jerry also hugged Ralph. We told him we would come back to see him again and we drove home. It was early January 2013.   

I'll always remember how Ralph would smile and hug me and give me a kiss, he always called me sweet things even though I wasn't the sweetest child. He called me Princess or LadyBug. He even stood up for me if my brother or my parents said anything that didnt sound right towards me.


Once I had a really bad toothache. I was in bed crying for days and he came and visited me, it surprised me but he gave me a hug and encouraging words for getting better. Ralph was always approachable. You just have to approach him with love and respect.