07/04/2026
4th of July represents to me 2 very important events that will forever reshape the story of my life:
The 250th Anniversary of this incredible Nation. Since the day I arrived here, at the age of 22 with $800 in my pocket, not knowing anyone nor the language, but with one dream, this Country has given nothing but opportunities! A Nation full of amazing people. Never ever felt rejected because of my color, ethnicity, or cultural differences. I was taken home by another wonderful family of Brazilian immigrants who gave me a sofa to sleep on in their living room, fed me, and helped me find a job in a NY high-rise window replacement company. Within a month I had my own studio, and then my girlfriend arrived. Together we worked extremely hard to build up a family in this new land. Mirta worked in a clothing factory 12 hours a day, and I was unloading trucks and carrying garbage and tools for the crew. Five years later, I took over that company and had about 20 people working for me, replacing windows in entire landmarks like GRAMERCY HOUSE (4K windows) and entire buildings in the Wall Street district.
I rode my Harley crisscrossing this beautiful country, hundreds of thousands of miles through rural country areas, backroads, and small towns. I was welcomed and loved by EVERY single person that I encountered on my journeys.
This country gave me more than opportunities; it gave birth to my 3 beautiful children, who I raised loving it and teaching them the 3 most important things I’ve learned here: Loyalty, Family Values, and PRIDE! For anyone who was born in the US or migrated to it, who thinks for a second that “the system conspires” against you because of race, religion, or social status, you better read this letter again, go home, and look at yourself in the mirror. Then, pick up a shovel and go to work!
The second event is the passing of my son Christian on the 4th of July of 2025. Chris grew up in a home full of love, always presenting parents and strong family values. Like all my kids, working ethics and love for this country were taught daily. He was a great fighter, full of determination and strong virtues. Unfortunately, he spent most of his youth battling drug and alcohol abuse. We clashed over that constantly for over 8 years—he wouldn’t give up an inch… I wouldn’t let him gain an inch! I tried everything a loving father could; ultimately, LOVE and GOD won the war. He became the person he was supposed to be! Then HE decided to join the military, to follow a career and give back to this Country all that he could. For 2 years he fought for the chance to enter it. His heart condition, due to the drug abuse, made it (almost) impossible to be accepted. For 2 years we both paid over 20 visits to the recruiting offices. Countless tests, denied by the Marines, Navy. I saw my 27-year-old son crying desperately at every refusal… then bouncing back to try again, and again. Finally, an opportunity to become an intelligence officer in the Army. We tried and fought TOGETHER to meet the physical requirements. On the evening of July 3rd, he got the call from the recruiter requesting for him to come the following Monday to be assigned!
Chris died on the evening of the 4th of July while walking our dogs. During the fireworks, one of our dogs fell into a water pond and he, trying to save him, slipped on the edge, hit his head on a rock, and rolled into the water unconscious. The dogs returned home… we found his body a day later.
I’ve learned so much during this year. He taught me more lessons in life than I could ever imagine. He taught me about RESILIENCE, LOVE, GOD, and SIMPLE THINGS that really matter. We talk every day, like we used to. He IS making me a better man!
Today, together, we celebrate the 4th of July.
To my son that I will always be proud of and love. To this Nation that embraced my dream. To God to give me the strength to carry this load.
GOD bless us all. GOD BLESS AMERICA
