Alberto was born September 28, 1981. I met him when he was about five years old. Years later I would marry his dad. I inherited two stepsons. Little Al, as he was affectionately known, was the oldest.

He loved sports, working out and watching movies. But his greatest love was his son, Nicholas. Nicholas was his life. Al was a kind and gentle soul. He was the protector of the family. You needed something, you called Al. He drove us crazy, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. People gravitated to him because he really did have a way with words. He made friends very easily and had a beautiful smile.

Alberto began feeling sick around the end of August, beginning of September of 2021. He was hospitalized, intubated and passed two weeks later on September 20, 2021. His lungs and kidneys were severely damaged, and his beautiful heart couldn’t take it anymore and he passed. We never got to say goodbye. I was able to see him the day before he passed, but he was in a coma. I hope he heard me tell him to fight and how much I loved him. I will never know.

Almost three and a half years before, Al had been in a similar situation. He became very sick, and his oxygen levels dropped; he was intubated and in a coma for 11 days. He fought and survived. I thought he could do it again. I prayed that he could do it again, but he couldn’t.

I wanted to relive a memory we all shared with his youngest brother, my biological son, Michael. Al had been moved to a rehab center in Staten Island where we lived. He fought hard to regain his strength and all he wanted to do was surprise his little brother. I had arrived first with one of Al’s friends, and my son arrived later. When Michael went to hug him, Al stood up and gave him the biggest most loving hug. Michael didn’t know that his brother could get up, so it was really emotional. I really prayed for that same outcome in 2021. But God had other plans.

Al was tall, tough and strong. But really, he was a big teddy bear. I would get on his case all the time and he would just look at me with those beautiful eyes and give me that smile that would sometimes melt my heart. I really miss his smile. I miss his hugs and it makes me sad that his brothers and his son and friends no longer have him in their lives. Al loved his family and his friends.

His presence is missed every single day. We know he is with his dad now and is watching over us. He sends us signs. When he first passed away, the lights in my bedroom would turn off randomly. This happened for about two weeks. I know it was him. That butterfly that flew by me just a few minutes after learning of his passing was him. The cologne his girlfriend smelled was him. And those random songs that play while my son is driving is him.

We love and miss you very much Al. Rest in peace and keep sending those signs.