Delivered by Lorraine at Paul's Funeral on July 13, 2002
The true measurement of a person's worth is how many friends he has. Well our presence here speaks for Paul's character, integrity, kindness and heart. It's amazing to me that in only 17 years he was able to have such a profound impact on so many people.
A week ago today, my nephew, my godson, my brother's only child was taken from us. On the way to the spot where Paul was murdered I prayed like I never had before. But, as I approached I saw the flashing lights, the yellow tape and there Paul was, looking as if he were asleep, but it was a sleep from which he would not awaken. So God, I'm waiting, very impatiently, for you to let me, let us know why he of all people, isn't here.
Paul Jr. was born on July 19, 1984. His dad came out of the delivery room and said, I got my boy! Paul's mom and dad started him out in neatly pressed, perfectly matched baby clothes and Nike tennis shoes as soon as his feet were big enough. Paul was one of those kids who every one liked and it didn't hurt that he was so darn cute. Paul was the ultimate ham enjoying the attention, love and the camera. His nana Jenny and Grandma Inez spoiled him in their own special ways. We'd get mad sometimes, but we knew they couldn't help it.
None of us could when it came to Paul, you see, we wanted him in our company. As I look at it now, we were the ones vying for his time.
My time was school mornings for the past 4 years. I'd pick him up to drop him off at Poly every day. We talked, laughed and I nagged. While I nagged at him he'd make sure he looked good. Everything from his shoes to his hair had to be just right. And my car would be filled with the scent of his cologne, even after he got out. His clothes were cool; they matched and were perfectly ironed. At least once each morning he'd say to me I look good, huh Nina One really cold morning he came rushing down the stairs in just his chones and his socks. He explained that he had gotten up late and used the time he had to iron his clothes, because he could dress in the car. Paul's clothes had to be perfect, but yet he was very comfortable in just his birthday suit too. Most of us were treated to a mooning or two by Paul.
He loved to clown around and he had a way of making you laugh, even if the joke was on you. Yet behind that laugh was a sensitive side. He didn't like it when those around him argued or were mad at each other. You see Paul needed to be happy.
I saw him fall in love twice. Once was with Chloe, and once was with his girlfriend Claudia. A little while back I asked him, "What's up with this Claudia chick? Who is she?" Paul said, I don't know Nina, she's different, she's special. I love her. He'd go by and check on his nana and take her where she needed to go, he'd call his mom 10 times a day and tell her he'd love her before hanging up. He played with little kids. He'd listen to us nagging at him because he respected us. He'd make you laugh because he didn't want you to be sad. He'd hug you because he loved to be hugged, and he' tell you he loved you because he did.
Paul's death was senseless, but his life wasn't. Here are the lessons I learned from my godson, Paul:
- Step up to the plate when you have to
- Be friends with as many people as you can
- Don't wear ugly clothes
- Play with little kids
- Don't step on people's shoes
- Hide some of Aunt Mary's tortillas for later
- Choose your friends carefully
- If you're a girl, don't have ugly feet
- Spend lots of time with your family
- Tell the people that you love that you do and hug them while you're at it
On behalf of the Zuniga and Griego family, we want to thank you for honoring our boy's life. Paul was a blessing and a gift and we have all been touched by the kind of young man he was and will continue to be in our hearts.