Risa Baeza

Two weeks ago, I went back to CA to celebrate the life of my Auntie Maria and Nino David.

My Auntie Maria was just about the sweetest lady you’d ever meet. She would always greet me with a “hi pretty girl” and was so generous with her kind words. Her and my Nino would always throw these awesome backyard dance parties when I was little and no matter how busy she was she’d stop what she was doing to make sure us little kids at the party had everything we needed. This past Easter she was on my mind. She’d collect egg shells the days leading up to Easter and make so many cascarones for the big family gathering. She was just so thoughtful like that. Her love of God was truly felt when she spoke to you but not in a preachy way but in a way that you actually felt the love of God through her words and actions. And watching her as a mother with my cousin @davidbaezajr was something I always really looked up to.

My Nino was the best God father that I could have ever wished for. He was always there for me anytime I needed. And really was more of a father to me than my actual father. He was incredibly funny, always told the best stories and always knew how to have a “funky good time.” Any special occasion where a speech needed to be made he was usually the one to rise to the occasion and knock it out of the park. He had a true gift with his words where he could get the whole room belly laughing but also touch your heart. I also appreciated his honesty when it came to life advice and telling me what I needed to hear and not only what I wanted to hear. He made sure that I always knew and felt how much he loved me and man will I miss him.

They were both so supportive of my performing and any time I’d invite them to a show I was in, they’d make sure to be there. And not just show up to my shows but my Nino would yell at the top of his lungs to really show his support and make me and everyone around him laugh.

Their love for each other was a beautiful thing. I hope in Heaven they are still taking their weekly drives to the beach and are dancing to “Keep it Comin’ Love” 🩷