Rick | mariotsoria

Reflections about Mario T. Soria

Dear Papi,

This is the first letter I have ever written to you. I don’t know your zip code, but I know you are in a peaceful place.

Not often do people live to be reunited with their soulmate. You proved it that being here with family is #1, yet

having a passion to be with my mother is a way of being.

Maybe it was a photo or a faint memory, but I know you held me as a baby without your shirt on.

I did the same tradition to my sons and found out by research that skin-to-skin with an infant is a lifetime bond.

I recall you telling me as a kid that our family may not have the best furniture, but we always travel the world.

Of the thousands of memories, traveling as a family or just you and me, the theme was to enjoy the moment and

cherish the friends you make along the way. The stacks of photos you took I realize now it was for all of us to reflect on our lives.

As a business partner, we planted the seed for thousands of students to travel, explore their heritage and to think globally.

You and I once rented a car in Spain. Our goal was to go to random towns and interview the locals to find out where to

eat the best paella in town. You also gave the lesson of taking your time when you cook and to make it a joy for others.

I don’t know how to thank you for sharing your love and passion with music. Music for my sons and me is essential

to our path in life. Your knowledge and wisdom are a key to life for us. To always look at a glass of water half-full

showed us the essence of life - enjoy your day and look forward to tomorrow.

Well, I don’t expect you to write me back, but I know you are there for all of us when we ponder about our direction in life.

Papi, we will meet up again and I will wait each day for you to finish dancing with Mom so I can have the next dance.

With all my love and the love for you from around the world, L’Chaim!

Love,

Ricky