Alex

By Sonia

Yesterday, the world lost someone so special. My first love, Alexander Villacorta.

If you knew him, you knew he had the most infectious smile. People give that compliment a lot, but with him it was different— his smile connected with you, broke through all barriers and warmed you in your core. As though the very purpose of his smile was to help bring about yours. Friend or stranger; being around him, you couldn’t help but smile.

Alex was the perfect combination of crazy and kind. Always wild and ready for adventure, and always compassionate and caring and present.

I loved Alex for being so different than anyone I’d ever met. His natural way of thinking was always outside of the box. It expanded my own ability to do so enormously, and for that I am infinitely grateful. He showed me perspective. I learned to see through others’ eyes, through him.

Alex brought so much light and joy into my life. We grew up and became people together, taveled, journeyed, loved, laughed, stumbled and strived to milk all the meaning from this one life we have.

He inspired me to believe in myself. He taught me to believe in others. He showed me how to believe in love, and never gave me reason to question the veracity, depth or value of that love. He never tired of telling me how much he loved me, how beautiful I was, how much he believed in me. I will carry that love inside of me always.

We shared six years of life together. I gave him a piece of myself, and will always have a piece of him with me. I love you Alex. I will always love you, mi dulce amor.