December 27, 2024

As you already know, our trip to Madrid, Spain was a family emergency one.   “Moreno” (means dark male) was his family nickname.  Tio (uncle) Moreno and I grew up more like cousins, he was only 6 months older than me and he would get embarrassed when I called him uncle.   Growing up with my closest cousins along with tio Moreno, was so much fun and I during our visit to the hospital, we had the chance to laugh about our fondest farm memories we shared and some of the things we did as kids.  All very funny stories.

My mother had received a seriously urgent call from his girlfriend in Madrid, alerting us of my uncles quick state of health deterioration.  My mother left the same day of call, I was told 8 hours later and booked our flights for next flight 24 hours later.  It was very important for me to take my son to personally meet tio Moreno, whom used to video chat on the phone and I feel so happy we got to spend some quality time with tio Moreno while alive and in good spirits. 

When we got there, I laughed with relief, because my uncle was in such great and positive spirits, he looked good and I thought he was for sure improving after almost a month in the hospital.  I was beyond happy and thankful to God, that tio Moreno was alive and well, I felt we were all blessed, my mother had seen him 2 years prior, but I had not seen him in person for twenty years.

My uncle was a very private human being that no-one knew his sadness and health problems and we were no different, he never told us about his deteriorating health till about 3 years ago.  He always kept his personal issues quiet.  We were very much in shock to lear about his health issues.  He was operating on 30% of his hearts functions and was waiting for a healthy kidney for years.  My uncle had suffered from a heartactack from not being to see his brother when dying, his mother when dying and his other brother’s death, correct he had suffered from sadness and the inability to visit any of them due to circumstances.  He had to dialysis 12 hours daily and recently was dialyzed 4 hours daily every other day while in the hospital.   One of my cousins was his kidney donor since almost 3 years ago.  I still don’t understand, but doctors kept postponing his organ operations.  Now my uncle is gone.   My uncle had the greatest faith and all he wanted was to give testimonials to help others in his situation.  I recorded thirty one minutes of his first testimony during our hospital visit.  

Almost 3 years ago, I had asked my uncle what wishes he had and one of them was to travel through Europe, he had lived in Germany and Italy prior to living in Spain.  I spoke to my uncle about joining our WATWP global expedition and he was very excited.  I had begun searching for expedition vehicles large enough to carry 4 to 5 passengers.  I had reached out to several expedition vehicles manufacturer with both our mission and that part of our mission was to bring some happiness to others when we can, I shared my uncles story in hopes of a willing manufacturer to either lend us or donate a vehicle for our needs.  We needed a large vehicle to store my uncles dialysis machine along with all the fluid boxes, 24 hour electricity and comfortable vehicle to drive and comfortably sleep in while overloading through Europe with him.  No company cared about our mission.  And when my parents stayed with my uncle for a few days, my mother told me and showed the real reality of my uncles health and needs and prohibit me from taking him out of his home.  I was going to convert a van and export to Spain, but when I realized the truth of such delicate situation, I deiced to convert my personal vehicle into a micro camper for my son and I.  

I am truly sad, that we were not able to take my uncle around over landing through Europe.  During our visit I briefly told him about our Canadian expedition, but did not want to say too much, because I did not want him to feel bad.  All I can hope for is that he is able to truly enjoy heaven to the fullest.  

My uncle passed away on December 22, 2024 from a mass removal next to his kidney operation which accelerated his departure.   Doctors gave the family hours to say our goodbyes and pull the life plug, impossible for us in the States to make it, he was resuscitated, intubated and God granted him an organic departure thereafter.  Thank you God, we are grateful you did not put us any in a life termination process, we are forever grateful, you have taken your son organically.   He was truly a wonderful human being, loved by everyone he knew around the world.

Tio Moreno rest in peace, we will forever love you and miss your physical presence.  

Giselle Trujillo