Raoul Eraña was one of the cutest, nicest, and most personable people at Summit Media. I say "cutest" because in an office filled with women's titles, the guys who came in were immediately noticed and scrutinized. And Raoul was definitely a keeper.
While we weren't particularly close, we'd exchanged warm hellos and casual conversations in the hallways and work stations. He was from marketing and the girls in editorial easily warmed up to him, thanks to his easygoing personality. He had a vast collection of Hed Kandi albums and at some point, I got a few tracks so some of my old iTunes songs are still labeled 'from Raoul.'
A few months ago, Raoul was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He underwent operations to remove it and ended up in a coma. One would look at his Facebook page and see so many friends urging him to "Wake up!" I cried the first time I saw those messages; they were both cheery and heartwarming. I was still hopeful and prayed for a miracle, God-willing.
But now he's gone. I can imagine how terrible the people in his life must feel. His girlfriend, his parents...he was an only child. I try to never question the will of God, even at times I don't understand it. And I still can't help but ask: Why does someone so young have to die? I only pray for the Lord to strengthen the people Raoul has left behind and to guide them each step of the way along their healing process.
Raoul, you will be missed. I know you'll have fun in heaven, enjoying your best music ever. (I bet it's truly heavenly, beautiful, and never-ending.)
My gosh, I was still in marketing at the time he started working in Summit. For Christmas, he gave all--yes, ALL of us marketing girls personalized key chains. I, who never talked to him before, went up to him and said, "Thanks for this! And thanks for getting the spelling of my name right! No one ever gets it right." He just said, "Of course! You have a pretty name." That was all the conversation we ever had. But it was something. Like him =D
ReplyDeleteSigh, yes, he was such a happy and charming boy, so lighthearted and easy to talk to. I still can't believe he's gone. I keep thinking about the people who were close to him. His parents... he was an only child. How does one deal with that?:(
ReplyDeleteCouldn't believe it, Mariel. I hadn't seen or spoken to Raoul for the longest time, but I have good memories of him. He was a really good friend.
ReplyDeleteI hate that I had to say that in the past tense.
I treasure those times we were all officemates and that I got a chance to get to know Raoul, even at just a periphery. He was so pleasant, always smiling.
ReplyDeleteYes it's so strange to be talking about him in the past tense. It's still unbelievable.
"And when I'm gone, just carry on, don't mourn
ReplyDeleteRejoice every time you hear the sound of my voice
Just know that I'm looking down on you smiling
And I didn't feel a thing, So baby don't feel no pain
Just smile back.." Eminem
-Thanks for the memories Tito Raoul
"And when I'm gone, just carry on, don't mourn
ReplyDeleteRejoice every time you hear the sound of my voice
Just know that I'm looking down on you smiling
And I didn't feel a thing, So baby don't feel no pain
Just smile back..." Eminem
Thanks for the memories Tito Raoul
he was a beautiful person ... and is sorely missed
ReplyDeleteYes, that smile and overall jolliness... God bless his happy heart.
ReplyDelete