One of the hardest things about being in the Foreign Service is not being with your family on a routine basis. This is especially difficult when a loved one passes and you aren’t there to say goodbye.

During my first tour in Nouakchott, my grandmother passed away after a long bout with dementia, and although it wasn’t unexpected, it was still difficult I wasn’t able to be with her in her final moments or even attend the funeral.

More recently, my grandfather pictured here passed away after a fruitful 93 years of life. Although he was old, it was unexpected. When I woke up one morning to see several missed calls from my mother, I knew something bad must have happened.

I am grateful for the time I spent time with him during the most recent winter holiday season, and thankfully was able to make his memorial service, but it was an acute reminder of what we sacrifice when we choose to serve our country abroad. Prior to joining I saw him at multiples times a month.

I’ll just end by briefly posting my grandfather’s obituary below. He was a wonderful, kindhearted man that helped shaped me into what I am today, and he will forever be missed. I love you Papa.

George, age 93, passed away on Sunday April 6, 2025. He was a public servant and had a great love for New Mexico History. George had a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and physics from New Mexico State University. He worked at the Physical Science Laboratory at NMSU, Burn Construction Company and NASA. He was elected to the Las Cruces School Board and served the public school system for twelve years from 1965 to 1977. In his retirement he was a volunteer for the Bureau of Land Management, published two books on New Mexico history and painted numerous landscapes of New Mexico historical sites. George was always smiling and had a kind disposition. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.