My grandfather, Papi, as I would call him was a smart, kind, funny and loving man. "You can do anything you put your mind to," were the words he would always tell me as he watched me twirl around the room. He knew I wanted to be a dancer from a young age and would use every opportunity to speak words of encouragement. Not only to me, but to everyone he came in contact with.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, my grandfather soon moved to New York to pursue a life in the big city. While in New York, he delivered stocks and bonds to various companies on Wall Street. Later, he became a cook on-board a ship that docked off-shore.

In his spare time away from the ship, he was an inspiration and help to the Brooklyn community. Although Papi moved to New York, he did not forget where he came from. Bringing the southern creole taste of Louisiana with him, he utilized his cooking skills to make an impact in struggling communities. Every Thanksgiving, Papi would prepare meals to feed the members of the neighborhood and the homeless. He always believed that the smallest act of kindness could go a long way.

As the years progressed, my mother embarked on a promising job opportunity which led us to Houston, Texas. Papi did not hesitate to follow. His heart was always where his family was. He wanted to remain as close as possible. 

Growing up with Papi, holidays were filled with joy and laughter. The scent of delicious spices filled the kitchen. Each holiday had a signature family tradition, however, my two favorites were Thanksgiving and Christmas. On Thanksgiving, Papi would make his famous Louisiana Gumbo, potato salad and homemade sweet potato pies. When I was old enough to learn, I made it my mission to duplicate the amazing recipes in hopes to continue the beautiful family tradition. 

Christmas was indeed the most wonderful time of the year. My birthday fell on December 17th and Papi's birthday was December 24th, Christmas Eve. It was a celebration of life and family. Every year we purchased one giant birthday cake with icing decorations and the message "Happy Birthday Tristin and Papi." It was tradition for us to blow out the candles and cut the first piece of cake together. Presents were opened Christmas Eve night into Christmas morning at 12:00 am. On Christmas Day, we cooked while Christmas music filled the house. When dinner was served we would pray and eat as a family.      

Papi passed on October 15, 2015 from diabetes. Although holidays are not the same anymore, his legacy lives on in our hearts, our family and especially in the kitchen. His peaceful spirit, encouraging words and incredibly kind heart are the memories I cherish the most. He taught me the meaning of love and kindness. He taught me to reach for the stars. Upon his passing I wrote him a poem, a poem to express a fraction of how much he meant to me. I was unable to recite this poem to him directly but I know he hears me when I do, for he was mine and I was his. 

Mine and Yours: Papi

When he left he left behind the aroma of this white light because you know he was pure

A heart pure as gold he told me stories of days beyond my own, who would have known his day was near

My memory took me there as we shared the presence of his glow

Laughter and silence among our ears peering between the shadows, our wind blew audibly within our hearts

I could sit for hours with him and not say a word for I knew "you were mine and I was yours" and the connection, infectious, who dare come between such fire, the desire was to strong

Bert to my Ernie, Your Peter to my Piper that was me. Rocking around the Christmas tree we celebrated three in late December, Jesus, you and me. 

We were meant to be in this world together forever, however forever came to soon

Spoon feeding me with wisdom and knowledge your voice settled in my ear like rainfall on a window pane tired and true

I knew you always through of me when I wasn't there because when I saw you again your eyes could not spare the glare as they meet mine...we were home

We had never left, for home is where the heart is and my heart was always with you for you were mine and I was yours

My heart is overwhelmed with peace, utter relief knowing you filled that space no one can replace, it has found its place in this crazy world

Words may travel up but the silent beat of your heart travels faster to what now is just a distant memory I keep with me

They say distance makes the heart grow fonder but I keep you near, in here, for you were mine and I was yours

Tristin Ferguson is a 33-year-old professional dancer from NY who loves to travel and explore new things and places. She currently works for Verizon Wireless while pursuing my dance career. Her ultimate goal is to spread kindness and love through dance.