I remember meeting Mr. Fernandez for the first time at Mariana's college graduation in Philly. It was the first time meeting much of her family and as one may expect, it was very overwhelming. During a long day walking around in the heat to see all the big Philly attractions, I had some alone time with Mr. Fernandez. We talked about family, travel, the city, and food. I remember thinking that he was a man that loved his family dearly.

As I got to know Mr. Fernandez better, we talked more about politics, religion, and life's challenges. Soon, we discovered that we shared a love for classic comedy movies like Caddyshack, Groundhog Day, Blues Brothers, all the Vacation movies, and pretty much anything with Bill Murray. Though perhaps not unique in the world of popular culture, it is unique among my new family where Harry Potter and animated movies reign supreme.

Since we discovered our mutual love for this style of movies, much of our in-person conversations and WhatsApp communications were spent reciting lines and sharing clips from the movies. I'm happy we were able to share that interest, and that so many of my memories with him are about shared laughter.

He used to talk about the first time we met in Philly quite often. He would always talk about how when we first met, I had "puffy" hair that reminded him of his own hair when he was young. He described my hair using his hands, almost like he was describing a bike helmet, and always giggling with a grin on his face.

He left us too soon but I'm grateful for the laughter-filled memories I have with him and for the wonderful family he helped raise.