You are a special son, mijo – not because you are my son, but because you are special in a lot of ways, not only to me, but to everyone who knew you. I can remember the day you were born - it seems just like yesterday. Your mom and I were so proud and happy. When Dr. Bauer delivered you, I got scared because your head was shaped like a conehead and I started to panic. Your mom couldn’t see and she started to panic after hearing me, and Dr. Bauer told us it’s going to be alright - the head will shape into its own form. Then he continued to say if it doesn’t form into shape, you can always star him on Saturday Night Live, and I didn’t know whether to cry or sock him or both. Dr. Bauer saw my face and he said he was kidding and said you’ll be alright. He patted me on my shoulders and told your mom and I we have a special baby. You are an Olympic baby, because Dr. Bauer carried the Olympic Torch just a few days before you were born. I always remember that mijo, and from the first day we brought you home, you were always smiling and everyone who saw you got attached to you right away.
Mijo, you are the pride and joy of your mom and I, and you brought so much love into our hearts and life, and our family’s. I miss you so much mijo, for my heart aches with so much pain and emptiness that my life doesn’t mean much to me anymore. You are my strength and inspiration. Every time I saw you or talked to you, you brought me so much hope. The love you poured upon me was such a gift mijo, and even though I was away from you a lot of years, our relationship was closer than most sons and dads who are together, and I thank God for honoring me with such a loving son – OK, I mean mijo. I’m remembering you checking your mom and I to call you mijo. I guess you checked us – you always got your way with us. And if you didn’t, your nana and nina would give it to you, brat. But you had your way of getting what you wanted.
I love you mijo, for being a good person in life, far better than your dad. I look at you and I see me, except for your eyebrows – they belong to your mom. But your character is original, mijo, and I’ll always cherish our time we spent together, mijo. I dream about you daily, and my tears flow down my face every minute of the day, for I hold you so close to my heart. I wish we can just be together - hopefully soon mijo, that’s all I want. I know grandma is keeping you warm and she’s making you your sopa. You and grandma are the only ones that I can say that are really mine. Nothing else belongs to me in this world. So mijo, I know you’re in the best hands possible with a beautiful set of wings, and I know they’re shining upon you. I know you look good mijo, because you are blessed in so many ways. I was so upset with God for taking you away, but I finally made peace for I want you in heaven forever. I will pray the rosary in your honor each and every day until we are together again, and like I said, hopefully soon, mijo, for your death should have been mine. I’m so sorry mijo. I pray I could snap my fingers and we could exchange my life for yours, for you are so precious, mijo. I’d prayed every day to God to keep you safe – ask him, he knows – the whole time I’ve been in this hellhole. I still can’t seem to understand why God wanted you so soon, mijo. I ask God to come see me. I pray and cry to him several times a day mijo – hopefully soon.
Oh, mijo remember the watch you gave me 3 years ago for Father’s Day? Well, the alarm went off and I never set it since you gave it to me. The alarm went off on July 16, at 2:09 P.M., and I know it was you, mijo. Please call me every chance you get, for I miss you dearly and forever. Our memories together will always stay alive in our hearts, mijo, along with our love, and no one could ever take that away from us – ever.
OK mijo, look after all your little cousins that idolize you with their hearts, and your dear friends, and the family. Whisper good words to God on their behalf, but most of all, be good and helpful to God. I know you will mijo. I’m very honored and proud to have you as my son, mijo. You’ll forever be in my heart. I’ll pray for you always, mijo, and may God bless you and always keep you safe.
All my love,
Daddy
Paul Griego, Sr.
USA - Thursday, August 08, 2002 at 23:40:42 (PDT)This letter is in regard to all my son’s friends, and all the families who loved him and paid their respects to my mijo, for I know he is very special and he touched so many hearts. Always remember to keep Paul Jr. close to your heart, for now we have another star up above – an angel to watch over us and to whisper good words on everyone’s behalf to our big boss, Father God in heaven. And I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. May God bless all of you forever, as well as my mijo, Paul Jr.
Sincerely,
Paul Griego, Sr.
Paul Griego, Sr.
USA - Thursday, August 08, 2002 at 23:38:35 (PDT)Hey little Paul..Im so sorry you had to leave us so soon...Raging Waters will never be the same!! I've shared this with a few people already,i wanna share it with all who view your guestbook my family and i go to your site often as im sure alot of us will...Anyway i'll never forget the last time i spoke with you,it was at yet another sad event your uncle Rodgers father had past on and i spoke with you knowing that you were at the time going to Poly which is the same school my daughters attend well i asked you when you were gonna ask or call on my daughter Rachel,,, well i'll never forget your reaction it was great i mean you were very humble and i guess shocked that i would even asked such a thing being her father..well you looked up at me inocently and said to me but John you wont let me!! those who were there at the time your aunt Lorraine my wife Joanne we all laughed about it..we'll just wannted to say Paul that I would have been proud to have had you called on either of my girls you were a good boy and you will be missed...we love you baby!! the Nappi family..
John Nappi <italian.stallion2@verizon.net>
Long Beach, Cailf. USA - Sunday, July 28, 2002 at 07:40:50 (PDT)Romie I had so many mixed emotions when I heard about Paul
jr especially since we had just seen you and Paul at Gina's
house. I was so sad, and couldn't understand why this would
happen, me as a mother I know how hard we try to keep our babies safe, away from this crazy messed up world. We have
so many hopes and dreams for them. I guess we just forget someone else has plans for them too. I was angry that god
would let this happen, but I guess he sent this angel to you
for you to teach him about love, respect, honesty and everything that he is. God picked you to be Pauls teacher and because of you and everyone that loved him he has a special place in heaven. You and Paul jr had something special you guys were pals and had so much respect for each
other and that is so rare now a days. I seen you so proud of your son that day at Gina's and I know he's looking down
feeling mighty proud of his mama. He'll always be with you and everyone that loved him. He touched alot of hearts.
god bless you and your family always.
Joann Franco
JoAnn Franco
Fontana, ca USA - Friday, July 26, 2002 at 18:37:10 (PDT)Paul, I have been knowing you since middle school at Hudson and these last 7 years going to school together and getting to know you been great. We shared alot of good times, lots of laughs and plenty of rides together on the bus after 3rd period :) I still can't believe that you are gone and my heart aches knowing that your not here but I know that one day I'll see ya again and knowing that your in a better place eases the pain. My prayers and thoughts go out to all your family and friends. LUV YA and God Bless.
Lauren "Nikki" Gray <nikki_nicolee@hotmail.com>
Long Beach, CA USA - Friday, July 26, 2002 at 00:36:13 (PDT)Paul will always be in my heart. I'll always remember when Rommie told me he asked her "Why does the girl with the red hair always look so mad?" From that day on I have made sure to have a smile on my face, especially when Paul was around!
Kristy Nachreiner <kristy.nachreiner@usa.net>
Long Beach, CA USA - Thursday, July 25, 2002 at 12:58:45 (PDT)I know Paul because he would always come and bring his mom lunch at work. I work with Roma and he always took good care of his mom. Whenever she needed something he was only a phone call away. I admire him for taking care of his mom, it showed how much he loved her!
Kristy Oliveira <justme_2u_2000@yahoo.com>
USA - Thursday, July 25, 2002 at 12:50:30 (PDT)My heart goes out to Paul Sr., Danny and Family. May the Lord comfort 'YOU' at this time of sorrow. Thoughts and prayers are with me daily. He has touch so many hearts and lifes in the 18 years of his young life-what a 'WONDERFUL GIFE'he gave us all....Take care
Rita Bernal <its.merita@verizon.net>
Long Beach, CA USA - Thursday, July 25, 2002 at 00:42:49 (PDT)To the families and friend's who have been touched by this wonderful young man, I pray for you. I did not have the plessure of meeting Paul, although Rommie I think you might have known me when I was little. I'm Gina's neice... I heard the new's from Gina, and I had just resently suffered a loss also. All I could think of his poor mom, what is she going to do. But I guess the lord needed a Angel in his kingdom, that angel is Paul. Little Edward came over to my house and I found him crying on the floor in the bathroom. I told him that it was going to be fine, but he didn't listen. I don't really know what to say... I didn't even know him and just reading his stories and memories you all have of him, make me cry. As a mother now, my heart go's out to you Rommie and your family. Just remember you done a wonderful job raising your boy to be a man. And not every women does such a great job, but you did! God bless your heart and Paul Sr. Your Angel is with you, never forget that...
Martha "Salinas" Sharp
Moreno Valley, CA USA - Wednesday, July 24, 2002 at 09:00:20 (PDT)Romie & Paul,
We are really at a loss of words....I can't imagine how it would feel to suffer such a loss. Being a mother & having a grandson myself, just the thought alone brings pain right to the center of my heart. So just know one thing, that YOU ARE in our prayers. And through Christ we pray you both will find peace & strength to get you through & keep you going. Say hello to your Mom and sister too.
Love,
Yo, Geraldine & Family
Johan, Geraldine & Family <Tiawsl@aol.com>
Aliso Viejo, CA USA - Wednesday, July 24, 2002 at 00:29:20 (PDT)Paul, The world wont be the same with out you, Iam glad that i became friends with you when i did. I LUV U with all my heart. To paul Mom you'r so cool for having a good son, my spirit is with you, with much LOVE.
Leonela Mendoza <gootsie2002@yahoo.com>
Long beach, ca USA - Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at 17:41:26 (PDT)I'm so sorry to hear of young Paul passing away. He went to soon. my heart goes out to Paul Sr. and family. I have known the family for at least 30 years and they are some of the best people I have ever met in my life. God be with you.
Johnny Jones <J84life@aol.com>
Las Vegas, NV USA - Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at 15:44:11 (PDT)PAUL, MAN YOU WERE MY FAVORITE COUSIN. I ALWAYS WANTED TO GO WHERE YOU WENT. I EVEN WANTED TO BE LIKE YOU. THAT IS HOW MUCH I LOVED YOU. WE HAD SO MUCH FUN TOGETHER,YOU WERE LIKE A BIG BROTHER TO ME. WHEN I HEARD WHAT HAPPEND I THOUGHT IT WAS A DREAM. I THOUGHT HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN TO YOU. IT WAS WRONG. YOU HAD SO MUCH THAT YOU HAD WANTED TO DO IN YOUR LIFE AND IT WAS GOOD. YOU WERE SO FUNNY AND FUN TO HANG OUT WITH. WHEN EVER I SAW YOU OR YOU CAME TO MY HOUSE I WAS SO HAPPY. I WANTED TO DO EVERYTHING YOU DID. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE TIMES I SPENT WITH YOU LIKE WHEN WE WERE IN LAS VEGAS LOOKING FOR GIRLS IN ALL THE HOTELS AND MAKING JOKES ABOUT PEOPLE,THAT WAS SO FUNNY. WHEN I WAS WITH YOU I WOULD BE THE HAPPIEST PERSON IN THE WORLD. I AM SO THANKFUL THAT GOD GAVE ME A TIGHT COUSIN. YOU USED TO LOOK SO TIGHT ALL THE TIME. IF I HAD ONE WISH THAT WOULD BE TO BRING YOU BACK TO LIFE CAUSE U MENT SO MUCH TO ME. I AM GOING TO REMEMBER EVERYTHING YOU TAUGHT ME IN LIFE AND KEEP IT WITH ME FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. YOU MENT SO MUCH TO EVERY ONE THAT KNEW YOU. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART. JUST WATCH OVER ME AND THE FAMILY AND MAKE SURE I DONT GET BEAT UP IN HIGH SCHOOL. OH YA ONE MORE THING,I AM GOING TO ALWAYS REMEMBER THE THING YOU TOLD ME ABOUT "HOW TO GET GIRLS". YOU TOLD ME SO MUCH I COULD OF WROTE A BOOK ON IT. WELL PAUL YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU AND I WILL NEVER EVER FORGET YOU OKAY. LOVE, YOUR #1 COMEDIAN AND COUSIN *JOE*
JOSEPH GRIEGO <JOEJOEBEAR1@AOL.COM>
LONGBEACH, CA USA - Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at 13:31:59 (PDT)Words can't express the sadness that we all fill by this lost.To Paul sr. & Romie all I can say is that God had other plans for your son & you'll all be together again!
Long Time Friend
Guy
Guy Loya <gloya11653@aol>
Tustin, c USA - Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at 11:23:25 (PDT)Little man, God Bless You and We Love You. The Pino's:
Phillip, Jolene, Justin and Jeremy.
Phillip Curtis Pino <pinophil@aol.com>
Albuquerque, NM USA - Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at 06:26:55 (PDT)PAUL JR. (CHARLIE) YOU LEFT ALL OF US TO EARLY IN LIFE. I WATCHED YOU GROW FROM A BABY TO A YOUNG MAN, AND IN YOUR SHORT LIFE THAT YOU SPENT WITH US I NEVER HAD THE CHANCE NEVER NEDDED TO SET YOU STRAGHT FOR ACTING UP OR DOING WRONG. THANKS YOU, FOR THAT. YOUR DAD WOULD TELL ME, MAKE SURE HE'S DOING GOOD AND DON'T LET HIM STRAY OFF I DIDN'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING YOU MADE MY JOB EASY. YOU DID YOUR PART AND MORE YOU MADE YOUR FAMILY VERY PROUD OF YOU KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK IN HEAVEN I WILL MISS YOU CHARLIE. UNCLE DANNY
DANNY GRIEGO <GDANO@AOL.COM>
LONG BEACH, CA USA - Monday, July 22, 2002 at 21:39:37 (PDT)Thank you for the sharing the beautiful pictures of Paul and Family. Romme and family did a great job raising him. Danny "Nito" Sampilo <nitoldies@msn.com>
Long Beach, CA USA - Monday, July 22, 2002 at 18:33:08 (PDT)Rommie & Paul Sr.,(Griego & Zuniga Families), My heart goes out to all of you. I'm sorry I never had the pleasure of meeting Paul Jr. but one only had to be at the visitation and funeral to know the kind of a person your son was, and how much he was loved!!! Lifting you in prayer. I believe His promises...Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near unto them that are of a broken heart...
With God's love in my heart...Luche
Lucia Ciuffetelli <luciac@verizon.net>
Long Beach, CA USA - Monday, July 22, 2002 at 18:25:37 (PDT)Oh Paul, I've known you since ninth grade. You made us all laugh, me Leo(Gordy)Lucy ect. Remember how I always said you were going to be a MTV host, you sure looked the part. When Oscar told me, it hurt so much. I was speechless. Not Paul! Not Paul! I said over and over in my mind. You were going to be famous and live long and show every body else up. You were a real comedian.It's scary, cause every time it hits closer and closer to home. My prayers are with your family and friends you will never be forgotten by me.. him... her.. them... all of us.
Maryam Ellis <mstcblkanglcrose>
carson, ca USA - Monday, July 22, 2002 at 12:31:40 (PDT)Paul was a good friend he will be missed!
Life is a gift from God, but so is death!
Enlight of his death let's remember him in our hearts as
one of the true gifts from God!
Oscar Campos <www.ODCA @aol.com>
long beach, ca USA - Monday, July 22, 2002 at 12:16:04 (PDT)