How Latino Men Say Goodbye: A Son’s Reflection on Loss and Unspoken Emotions

Years ago I lost my pops. The last time I saw him, we both acted like everything was fine, like I’d see him later. And that’s how I left. I have never fully processed or understood that he’s gone. In my mind, he’s still in Jersey and I need to visit him. Sometimes the realization hits me, and then I’m lost in my head. Should I have said more? Should we have acknowledged what we knew was coming? But we were men, and men often don’t show weakness, right? I’m sorry, pops. I should have shown you how I felt.