Cambia Todo Cambia

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Mercedes Sosa, the famous Argentinean singer, opens her version of the song Cambia Todo Cambia* (Everything Changes), with these lyrics:

“Cambia lo superficial
“That which is superficial, changes
cambia también lo profundo
That which is profound, also changes
cambia el modo de pensar
Even the way we think, changes
cambia todo en este mundo...”
Everything in this world, changes...”

This past weekend, the changes that we experienced in what we knew and what we remembered about Rafael De Jesus Lacayo, because in the early morning hours of October 28, 2007, he passed away. With his death, our family ties were radically altered.

We can consider that the death of Rafael Lacayo, mi Tio Payo, could be insignificant since he was only one human being among 6 billion men, women and children living on this planet.

However, it is definitely not insignificant to his children, Margui y Rafael, neither for his siblings, cousins, nephews and nieces, nor his friends.

For each man and woman touches the life of every other human being for better or for worse. In the case of my uncle, it was much more for the best than for the worst. Although there have been other deaths in our family: My Papa Leonardo y Mama Ofelia (my paternal grandparents), who died within two weeks of each other (October 1 and 15 of 1991, respectively). The loss of my Tío Enrique Díaz Lacayo, husband to my Tía Quecha, the passing of Norman Portocarrero, my cousin Odilie’s ex-husband, the perishing of Francisco De Franco, husband of my other cousin, Quechita and more recently the husband and son of my other two aunts, Tías Graciela y Adilia, Murdoch Cashion and Bill Way, respectively.

In my mind, the passing of my Tío Payo, was different in that, first of all, his death was felt by the entire family as well as his friends. After the news of his death, our home was flooded by phone calls from friends and family from San Diego, San Francisco, Stockton, Florida all the way to Nicaragua. Afterward, in his honor, the family reunited; something we had not done in many, many years, but not only in San Jose, but we also were in contact with the rest of the family in Nicaragua: my Tía Quecha, Tía Ofelita and my cousin Roberto Abraham.

I want to communicate to all of you, as I mentioned at the ceremony this past Saturday; my memories of him being playful and warm human being. When I was a little boy, he liked to rough house with me. He was always telling funny stories and joking around with my dad.

When I was older, I remember him dancing with my Tía Adilia and “break dancing” at one of our parties, helping me put together a list of Nicaraguan sayings and always calling my wife Mary Ann, instead of Jeri-Ann, which is her correct name. Sadly, I remember that sad day in October of 1991, which he dressed my Papa Leornardo for his funeral.

These are the memories of my Tío Payo that remain in my mind, an uncle who made me laugh and have fun.

His death has united our family with renewed strength. The reunion at Margarita’s (his wife) house not only made us remember him fondly but at the same time we realized what state the family was in currently in, as well as look over old photos of how we once were and recall our family members who have gone to a far better place. Consequently, we have decided to keep in contact more closely and frequently because after all, we are all here only for a limited time.

So concludes this part of my Tío Payo’s life, whom I loved very much.

Rest in Peace Tío! Take a seat next to my Papa Leonardo and Mama Ofelia. Save us a spot in the family circle, along with some drinks of Flor de Caña with Pepsi or Coca-Cola, with some delicious snacks, until our turn comes up to join you all.

“Pero no cambia mi amor..."
“But my love doesn’t change..."
"Por mas lejos que me encuentre..."
"No matter how far I find myself..."
"Ni el recuerdo ni el dolor..."
"Neither the memory, nor the pain..."
"De mi pueblo y de mi gente..."
"Of my country and my people..."
"Y lo que cambio ayer..."
"And what yesterday, changed..."
"Tendrá que cambiar mañana..."
"Tomorrow, again, will change..."
"Así como cambio yo..."
"As I as well, will change..."
"En esta tierra lejana.”
"In this far off land.”

Goodbye!


Paul M. Lacayo


• - Lyrics and Music: Julio Numhauser