Francisco Martinez
(June 1, 1946 – December 30, 2024)
He might have been my grandfather, but I called him Papi like the rest of his children. He left this earth surrounded and held by his family with his hand in mine. Anything will help my family send him home to rest in El Salvador with his mother and siblings. My Papi was a man of few words, a follower of Jesus Christ, a collector of many things, selfless beyond understanding, and our rock. Forty-four years ago, he left El Salvador in search of a better life for his wife and kids. The choices and sacrifices this man made are the catalyst that resulted in the privileged life I have always known, with a roof over my head and food always on the table. His children and his grandchildren have known no suffering because of his resilience and his devotion to his family. He never could have imagined his firstborn grandchild that he helped raise would join the circus, but here I am because he not only helped pay for all of my training, but he drove me to and from practice for years. I would not be the acrobat that I am if it were not for him. My grandfather took care of us. He was our sole provider, our warrior, and now he’s our reason. He will be with me always. Thank you, Papi, for giving me this extraordinary life. The hole you have left us is unbearably painful, but I promise we will take care of one another. Te quiero mucho, Papi, con todo mi corazón. Gracias por mi vida, Papa, prometo siempre hacerte sentir orgulloso.
Organized by Sienna Martinez
Las Vegas, NV