The sun was getting lower in the sky, setting up for a beautiful summer sunset. My brothers and I had been called in early from our day of running barefoot in the backyard, playing games long forgotten. Coming in the back door, just off the kitchen, we could smell the popcorn as we bounded up the steps. Dad already had the popcorn in the big paper bag, which meant we were going to the Drive-in. The sides of the paper bag had dark streaks where the butter had seeped through. Mom was pouring ice on top of the drinks in the bottom of the blue and white cooler. The ice making a clinking sound when it hit the cans below.

Dad was on the phone; I could hear him “a large pepperoni and green pepper pizza and a large cheese.” The cheese pizza was for me. I watched him as he stood there finishing the order. His skin had the summer glow from working in the yard and his gold-colored watch was making the light dance on the ceiling and walls as he moved his arm. He was still in his twenties then, slender in his jeans and t-shirt and flat top haircut. I remember him then, just as he always looked in the early photographs. His smile, big with a hint of orneriness and those dimples.

We drove to Sam’s pizza place on Shadeland Avenue, like we did almost every Friday night. There in the picture window of the small white building, was Sam. The five of us sat there in amazement watching Sam toss the pizza dough high in the air and catching it with ease as it whirled around on the way down. Dad worked there with Sam briefly when he was a teenager. We were always eager to hear him tell us about making the pizzas.

After getting the pizzas we arrived at the drive-in and parked our white Pontiac convertible in one of the spots. Tonight, was different. Rarely did we get to play on the swing sets up by the big screen. Dad pushed my littlest brother back and forth with his legs reaching high into the air with each push. I don’t recall the movie we saw but I can still see my dad with his arm around my mom sitting in the front seat. My brothers and I sat on top of the back seat with a clear view of the big screen and the night sky filled with faraway twinkling stars.

There was always a double feature at the drive-in with a break in between movies for a trip to the concession stand or restroom. Even though we were full of pizza and popcorn Dad took us to get ice cream during the break and we returned to the car just in time for the fireworks. The sky was filled with the long swooshes, followed by the deep booms and colorful bursts of light. Reds, greens, blues and purples exploded and filled the sky, reflecting off all of the cars, resulting in lots of oohs and aahs.

I don’t remember anything about the second feature. My brothers and I fell asleep in the backseat. I woke up as we pulled into the driveway but pretended to be asleep. Mom carried my littlest brother into the house and Dad picked up my other brother in his arms. My attempt to be carried in by dad didn’t fool him. He reached out his hand for me to take and said quietly to come on. I slipped my nine-year-old hand into his and walked beside him. Just as I had so many times before and would many times throughout my life.

My dad, Alvaro Rivera Sr., was the best dad ever. He was so caring. He would always help people, he had a big heart.

My dad loved working on cars and he also loved going to church, he was a christian guy. I’ve gone to church with him a couple of times. I remember every night when he would go to sleep he would always play his christian music while he was falling asleep.

Losing him will never sit right with me. I was a daddy’s girl, he was my best friend. I will forever miss his smile, his laugh and his hugs. He was always a happy person. I did everything to help my dad fight this horrible virus. I prayed, I cried a lot and was telling God “please don’t take him from me.”

On October 20,2020 my dad started taking cough medicine that the doctor prescribed him. My dad complained that he was having trouble breathing.

On October 22,2020 I took him to the hospital. They did some tests and he had pneumonia, he was also a diabetic. I spoke to him during his stay at the hospital, he seemed fine but his breathing wasn’t doing so well.

On October 27th 2020 my dad was placed on a ventilator. My dad was in the hospital fighting this virus for 10 days. I regret not seeing him. I wish I was by his side but I had Covid also.

On November 1st 2020 at 1:00am, God called him home.

It was the worst day of my life, my heart just broke. I will forever be grateful for god blessing me with a great father.

I miss you Papa, I know you are always with me.

I lost not only my daddy but my person. This man saved me when I went down a dark path when my mama passed away. I wouldn’t have survived losing her without him. He gave me a reason to go on. I watched him become my daughter’s best friend. She misses her Papa so much. I know she was given to me to help me through losing him; I just didn’t think it would be so soon.

It’s funny because I think back and he told me let’s make Christmas of 2020 our best one. I said how will we in the middle of the pandemi? He says I don’t know but we just have to make it memorable. He ordered us matching PJs, took all the pictures I wanted even though he hated them. Taught me to cook the most important meals … I think he knew.

He fought his way off the ventilator to be well enough to talk to me one last time …

I always disliked bed time. I was ready, he would tell me he wasn’t but to just go. He’d get himself in bed when he was ready … I’d go no dad you’re too weak this late in the day. I’ll wait and help. He’d turn on his favorite show. I’d settle on the couch with my phone or a book. And not even 5 mins later he’d be asleep in the chair … I’d say ready? He’d say nah I’m awake. Then, after a while, when I was quiet he’d wake up and yell HEY! I love you and scare the crap outta me haha! And then he would be ready. And tucking him in was always a project. But I never knew how much I’d miss it. I miss hearing him tell me it was always his favorite part of the day.

On February 8, 2021, Covid stole my world …

My husband, Luis Rivera, was a loving compassionate man with a huge heart for everyone he knew and loved. He loved to write and sing gospel music. He listened to all types of music and loved to reading the Bible.

It has been over a year since our Papa passed away and it still feels unreal. Our Papa was the best grandpa in the world and had played a huge role in the women we are today.

Young at heart and open to trying new things, our Papa instilled that same mentality in us. He took us to our first Beyoncé concert, we parasailed in Hawaii and jet skied in Puerto Rico together during our family vacations, he taught us how to drive, and so much more. We had Sunday breakfast dates at iHop which used to be Thursday evenings at Chili’s when we were younger. He encouraged us, from a very young age, to try new food which turned us into big foodies who enjoy trying new food as a past time.

We have so many beautiful and funny memories of the time we had together, which was not enough. He supported all of our achievements big or small, encouraged us to try new things and to do what makes us happy. His smile lit up a room, his hugs melted our fears away, and his head rubs made us fall asleep like when we were babies. Babies. His babies. He always told us that we would always be his babies no matter our ages. His unconditional love was felt through every phone call, every hug, and every “I love you.”

But, when our world stopped, the rest of the world kept moving.

If anyone could overcome the virus (or anything for that matter) it would have been him. It was going to be him. He fought to stay with us and we know that he was more concerned with how we were going to handle him not being around anymore rather than him fearing what he was going through and what was to come.

Our Papa was so strong and would do anything and everything for us. He is deeply missed beyond measure and loved more than words can describe. Our lives were full because he was in it and we are blessed that he is our Papa. We love you Papa, always and forever.

Danielle and Jessica Alejandro, Joseph Anthony Szalkiewicz’s granddaughters