UPDATE: As comments continue about Gabriel Martin, we're going to leave the post up through Tuesday so more people can share their thoughts and memories.
We started on Google+. Our first post is about Gabe Martin. Somehow you need to be added to a circle to post a comment. One nice thing about Google+: no anonymous comments.
Maybe the link is this?
(Gabriel Martin- a sad update below. )
Heeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrs Johnny!
The Supreme Court begins its 2012-2013 term today with a Court led by chief justice John Roberts that is markedly different from the court that ended the 2011-2012 term. Different not in personnel. Different in that the court might just be a bit more unsteady. The traditional 4-4 split with Justice Kennedy casting the deciding vote was put in jeopardy when CJ Roberts became the swing vote in the health care case last term. This is not the first time we have written that in the health care case Roberts was able to have his cake (knocking down the power of the commerce clause- something conservatives having been pining for since Heart of Atlanta Motel and Katzenbach v. McClung) and eat it too (casting the deciding vote upholding the health care law and keeping the court out of the middle of the presidential election).
This term will be marked not by one big case, but by several. The court will hear cases invoking the 1964 voting rights act, same sex marriage, and affirmative action in college admissions (Bakke and Grutter v. Bollinger revisited?).
This could be a very bumpy term for those who do not want to see Alito, Scalia, and Thomas writing majority opinions in commerce clause and affirmative action cases. To his credit, Roberts may have sacrificed a pawn in the health care case to place the liberals in check this session. We shall see.
GABE MARTIN:
Word has reached us that Gabe Martin passed away over the weekend at age 37. A former assistant pubic defender, Gabe made news running against Bennett Brummer, his boss, in an election earlier this decade. Mr. Martin lost, and he and assistant public defender Lonnie Richardson were subsequently fired. Then they sued the PDs office and clobbered them in federal court. We reported on the lawsuit in one of our first posts here. (Brummer Bummer is still one of favourite posts because it put us on the map.) Gabe Martin went on to have some professional problems unrelated to his work as a PD or the election or the lawsuit, which we wrote about here.
Life is a long, strange journey. Sometimes a wild ride, sometimes a quite canoe drifting in calm waters. For Gabe Martin, the ride ended all too soon. Rest in peace Gabriel Martin.
"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give."
Winston Churchill.
Try giving a little bit more. See you in court.
When you see something that is not right, not fair, find a way to get in the way and cause trouble. Congressman John Lewis
JUSTICE BUILDING BLOG
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83 comments:
While I disagreed w some of his actions, disagreement doesn't equal hate nor dislike.
Gabe was a nice guy one on one. 37 is way too young to go. RIP. Condolences to his family n friends.
David
Very sad to hear about Gabe. Our battles in Court were always professional.
Condolences to his family.
A glorious morning in DC. Back from a run on the mall.
Gabe Martin was an idealist with courage. He was also a nice guy. I knew him when he ran for Public Defender.
At the time, the best young talent at that office supported Gabe. That is a fact. But we can have that debate another time.... Young and idealistic, he thought he could make a change for the better. The idea that an active trial lawyer should be respected, not castigated as uncaring or reckless was central to his run. He wanted to change a culture which was quickly becoming a bloated government office of lawyers. He idolized the great characters of its past.. He wanted the fun and the chance at glory. He earned the admiration and respect of many. And the scorn of many. His parents, hard working immigrants were so proud of him. His wife loved him. He lived a life worth living.
Rest in peace bro.
Rumpole --- how did Gabe pass away. That is so sad.
Gabe had a heart condition and died of heart failure.
Gabe was 41 years old
It is with great sorrow that we share with you that Cristina Alonso’s husband Gabriel Martin suddenly and unexpectedly passed away Saturday from a heart condition. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 6pm to 11pm, and Thurs., from 10 am to 2pm, at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn Funeral Home at 8200 Bird Road, Miami, FL, (305) 227-3344. The burial will follow on Thurs. at 2pm.
Letters of condolence may be sent to:
11060 Griffing Blvd.
Biscayne Park, FL 33161
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to one of the following:
National Parks Foundation
https://myaccount.nationalparks.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=458
Humane Society of Greater Miami,
16101 West Dixie Highway,
North Miami Beach, FL 33160.
http://www.humanesocietymiami.org/donate/make-a-donation
Southern Poverty Law Center
https://secure.splcenter.org/donations/donate/overview
Please note in the subject line that the donation is in memory of Gabriel Martin.
Gabriel was young when he ran for office but not considering the length of his short life.
Gabe would have been a better PD then Carlito
Gabe resigned to run against bennett. He was never fired and never sued brummer. It was Lonnie Richardson that was fired and subsequently won a 200,000 lawsuit vs. the PDO.
How sad. I would hate to know how his family must feel. It must be the most devestating thing to lose your wife, husband, son, daughter at such a young age. I don't know how one could go on. My heart felt and most sincere condolenses. To Gabe's family. I know nothing can take away the pain and sense of emptiness. Having felt loss before of a close friend I know only to a small degree what they must feel. Everyone please be kind because those who are left behind are the ones who will read this or hear of it.
Sisselman - Gabe was a nice guy period. Why does everything you write have to include something about yourself? I don't care how you felt about his actions. Today I care that my friend and former colleague is no longer with us and that's it.
Rest in peace hermano!!! I will miss that hearty laugh of yours. I will miss your friendship. I will miss your love for life. Be good.
11th CIRCUIT JUDICIAL NOMINATING COMMISSION
NOMINATIONS FOR CIRCUIT COURT VACANCY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2012
CONTACT: Marva L. Wiley, Chair
Eleventh Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
TELEPHONE: (786) 536-4612
MIAMI—The Judicial Nominating Commission for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit has nominated the following persons for appointment to the Miami-Dade Circuit Court for the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Joseph Farina.
Jason Bloch
Jason Dimitris
Alan S. Fine
Eric Hendon
Fleur Lobree
Steven Reininger
The Commission thanks each of the persons who applied for this judicial position and all of the members of the bench, bar and public who took time to comment on the applicants.
Gabe was funny had a good heart and was a good friend. I am shocked and saddened. He was too young to go. i feel for his wife. You were part of one of the most interesting craziest and life changing times for me. I will toast you with a cafecito at versilles mi amigo. RIP Gabe. You will be missed.
Gabe Martin was super nice, charming guy. Always a smile on his face and a quick laugh. The day after he lost the election, he had the same smile he had the day before. And even during his problems with the bar, whenever I'd see him, he seemed upbeat and happy. He enjoyed living life.
His wife, Christina, and his parents are all wonderful, warm, loving people. Could not find or even invent a sweeter family. My heart absolutley breaks for them.
Gabe was just a great guy and a good friend. RIP
David Sisselman, please go away.
Your interactions with Gabe were of no import to his life.
He was a nice guy one-on-one,and in small groups, large groups, parties, events, etc. He had a natural charm.
And who the hell cares whether YOU like the fact he ran against bennett. What a jackass u are.
Rumpole, please remove his post and then this post of mine as well. What a jackass DS is.
Gabriel Martin was really a great guy. Generous to a fault, funny, and always kind - even to his adversaries. He really had a love of life. He loved a good fight, good food, laughter, women, friends, debate, and politics. He basically loved everything and anything he ever sampled. He was full of passion as well as compassion. A life well lived. No fear and most definitely, no regrets.
Gabriel Martin was a great person. He was very intelligent and willing to help those who needed help regardless of whom they were. I am glad to call Gabe a friend and still have his button. He brought to light the need for reform at the Public Defender's office and the sad reality with public service in Miami-Dade. With his work at the Public Defender's office and campaign he showed that Miami-Dade deserved better and many changes happened. Unfortunately not all for the good, but that is how evolution goes.
Gabe was about to get his license back to practive law and God took him from this Earth and back to heaven. He leaves a wonderful wife in Cristina, their great family and loyal friends. Gabe's work should not be forgotten by us who called him a friend. Gabe would be happy to know we are all contributing to the causes listed above with the addition of the following:
Our Children Our Future
http://www.ourchildrenourfuturefl.org/
Please note in the subject line that the donation is in memory of Gabriel Martin.
May you rest in peace my dear friend Gabriel Ignacio Martin. We will never forget you and always call you a friend. It will always be "Time for a Change!"
Your friend,
Juan
Dickheads
The post was not about me. But,
I wanted to make clear that while I may have disagreed w/ Gabe that I thought he`was a nice guy and I was`sad for his family.
I felt that without the first line of my previous post it would sound hyporcritial to say he was a good man and condolences to his family.
I felt it was better , because of what I have said/posted in the past, to admit Gabe and I had disagreements , that just saying RIP.
May God have mercy on his soul.
THE CAPTAIN REPORTS:
SO, YOU WANT TO BE A COUNTY COURT JUDGE .....
A total of 35 applied to replace Judge Cristina Miranda and Judge Rodney Smith.
The JNC reviewed the applications and has now interviewed 19 of those applicants.
The following 9 names are being sent to Governor Scott. He will name two new County Court Judges within the next 60 days:
Madeline Acosta
Betty Capote
Michelle Delancy
Jason Dimitris (See Circuit Court)
Carlos Guzman
Fleur Lobree (See Circuit Court)
Shirlyon McWhorter
Melba Pearson
Julie Terry
The ten that did not make the cut:
David Alschuler
Jason Bloch (see Circuit Court)
Pamela Gordon
Scott Janowitz
Steven Lieberman
Louis Martinez
Jonathan Meltz
Gordon Murray
Breeyze Telfair
Veronica Xiques
Interesting to see Steven Lieberman's name NOT go up in light of the fact that he has been nominated by our local JNC for nearly every open County Court seat over the course of the past 18months?
Let Governor Scott know how you feel by snail mail or email:
Office of Governor Rick Scott
State of Florida
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
http://www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott/email-the-governor/
CAPTAIN OUT .....
THE CAPTAIN REPORTS:
SO, YOU WANT TO BE A CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE .....
A total of 27 applied to replace Joseph Farina.
The JNC reviewed the applications and has now interviewed 10 of those applicants.
The following 6 names are being sent to Governor Scott. He will name a new Circuit Court Judge within the next 60 days:
Jason Bloch
Jason Dimitris
Alan S. Fine
Judge Eric Hendon
Judge Fleur Lobree
Steven Reininger
The four that did not make the cut:
Robert Coppel
Michelle Delancy (See County Court)
Judge Andrew Hague
Sandra Miller-Baptiste
WOW. Look at the love for Judge Lobree. She was trounced in the election back in August by the worst margin of any candidate. Now she is named to both the County Court and the Circuit Court final lists. Can Governor Scott not rename her to the bench in light of all the love? Get your cards and letters in the mail now.
DOUBLE WOW. Judge Hague did not make the cut. He has made the cut several times in the past. Also, Robert Coppel did not make the cut. Our readers have spoken out vociferously after the election about Coppel's loss. What will they say now about the JNC?
Let Governor Scott know how you feel by snail mail or email:
Office of Governor Rick Scott
State of Florida
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
http://www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott/email-the-governor/
CAPTAIN OUT .....
Hey Pardo. Back off and let the real political hack do his job.
With Rumpole's short temper, I don't want to end up cut and looking to be picked up by another Blog.
Cap Out ...
Team Pardo.
Back off Captain.
RIP Gabe.
Shut up DS.
Captain
Show some respect.
M & M for County Court.
Madeline & Melba two solid lawyers w lots of trials and common sence
Betty Capote is the only candidate that should be considered for County and Judge Eric Hendon for Circuit.
Judge Andrew Hague should be considered. He is worthy of a circuit appointment
David Sisselman you sound like a total jerk. Gabe had "Cojones" and you have no class, manners or intelligence. Be an adult and if you cannot say anything nice, then say nothing at all. I hope that God has no mercy on your sad soul.
Word has gotten out that Judge Hague is just nasty on the bench...
Rumpole
DS should have his blogging rights revoked. Acosta always has a scower on her face. Capote a much better selection. It's not close either.
RIP Gabe.
David sisselman is small. Leave it at that...
Gabe had flair and zest. Cool guy.
R I P
Aren't there enough Madeline Acosta's on the bench already? Can't we get some variety already.
My God, settle down people. DS didn't attack Gabe.
In fact, I think his post is quite meaningfull...........it's nice to know that those who disagreed with Gabe's politics and such still recognized his finer qualities. Too bad some of you aren't as mature as DS and can't separate a person from his or her positions.
BTDT
I hate the DS bashing but he made a mistake. When feelings are so raw better just to say my condolences or say nothing at all.
Girls Code Book ™ @GirlsCodeBook
You know my name, not my story. You've heard what I've done, not what I've been through.
Travel day. You guys play nice while I'm in the air.
DS should just remain quiet. If you had differences with someone and didn't get along, it is better to say nothing.
Last comment about the troubles of traveling: we make better coffee than ANYONE and ANYPLACE. Anywhere.
for the life of me I just can't understand why the JNC would not nominate Robert Coppel. This man is pleasant, knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor. He has integrity and the perfect disposition to be on the bench. Wait, that would completely explain why he isn't being nominated. If Christina Miranda and Victoria Brennan can get out of the committee twice that would explain the JNC is just looking for nasty attitudes on the bench.
I completely agree.
With Sisselman's constant need for attention I'm sorry to say that this blog has officially jumped the shark.
Now we are all dickheads because we object to your inability to keep your stupid politics out of a somber thread involving the death of a friend.
You seem to be the type that cannot ever just admit a mistake. You inserted yourself into the comment when nothing about yourself was either necessary or appropriate.
I know its hard to believe that all roads DO NOT lead to Sisselman. But
guess what the world does not revolve around what you think.
RIP Gabe. May your family find comfort in your eternal love for them. You gave your friends pride and dignity by taking on a great challenge and though you did not received the most votes, your candidacy was a ultimately a victory for those that supported you. They asked you to try and you did your best. That is really all one can ask of another. You were not afraid to take a chance and put your name out front. I wish that you had lived a longer life. You were taken much too soon. May God Bless you.
Plz re-read my posts, I said:
"I thought he`was a nice guy and I was`sad for his family."
and
"Gabe was a nice guy one on one. 37 is way too young to go. RIP. Condolences to his family n friends."
DS
i challenge ONE PERSON to man up, go speak to DS and identify yourself and tell him face to face why you're upset with him. I am t h i s c l o s e to stopping all the bashing. Its way overblown and serves no useful purpose.
8:15 is correct except for Miranda.
Not sure what DS's one on one comment means. Does that mean Gabe was not nice in large groups? DS is no wordsmith... Gabe was nice all around.
Rumpole, have you had Colombian coffee made by a Colombian lady in Colombia?
Yes, no and no.
I have to agree re Acosta - I do not have the sense that she would be as capable as RC. Betty Capote is a great choice - she will be terrific.
If Coppel is not going to be appointed, the legal community needs to rally around him for the next election. We've got to get this guy on the bench.
DS liked Gabe and Gabe like DS. DS liked the people who were supporting Gabe and they liked him. Everyone likes DS. He speaks his mind. DS was in a difficult spot at the back then, as were others... The rift between the DS and the insurgency started on the pages of this blog. Just shit talking. It should stop now. The public defender's office was Not an easy place to work during the revolution. The front office didn't know who to trust. It was a fun and interesting time. It is sad that Gabe died young. But he made his mark. And he died content.
Maybe Ds is a jerk because he's a democrat. Democrats are jerks all day long.
C'mon everyone. You all need to keep in mind that DS is "gifted." Even Rumphole is getting upset that people react to DS' inappropriate comments. Take it easy on them!
not everyone likes ds. They are afraid to suffer his wrath. People responded so badly to his innocuous post because " THEY DON'T LIKE HIM!"
Gabe was a genuine hero. He tried to do something that ds would never have the guts to do.
David Sisselman and I were in Judge Rodriguez's courtroom together during the 2004 election. He was the A and I was the B. Our offices were rt across the hall from each other. He was a cool guy with all of us Gabe supporters and tbh he always acted like he wanted Gabe to win, but sided with the 5th floor when things got really hot. Understandable given his tenure there. I got no issue with Sissel at all--always liked him alot....However, his comments yesterday were unneccesary and struck myself and others as inappropriate. No one's perfect and he's a really good guy overall. Just made a very poor error in judgement. Let the matter rest now.
Peace
only the good die young
It blows me away that DS thinks that he is important or relevant at the REG. Rumpole must agree and that's hilarious in and of itself.
Madeline is not mean at all. she is very nice. she is shy and also just has one of those faces that look like she is mad if she isn't smiling.
Gabe Martin was a great person, lawyer and friend. He will be missed dearly. RIP Buddy!
Dave Kubiliun
Gabe Martin was a great person, lawyer and friend. RIP buddy!
Dave Kubiliun
I did not know Gabriel professionally as many of you did. I knew him personally. I will say that he was a genuinely nice guy, always smiling and "carin~oso". His family and friends loved him and will miss him tremendously. After all, isn't that how we all want to be thought of?
Madeline is just as capable as anyone to be a judge. OMG I am so sick of you haters. She has tried countless jury trials, is a real fight, super prepared and has more common sense than most.
I am a former PD and I know her. I also know Breezy. You people have no clue. Public Defender's and ASA's have true court room knowledge. They fight harder than most and are in court everyday. Unlike privates they don't get to pick the cases they get and still they work incredibly hard. Most APDs and most ASAs within 5years have more experience than attorneys who have beem practicing for 20 years. All anyone does on this damn blog is bash any asa or apd who dares run or put their name in for office. This past election they talked shit about Ivonne Cuesta and Diana Gonzalez, two kick ass die hard APD's who have both tried and won murder cases, who were both young but had proven themselves and they were not even that young, both are either 40 or 39. The judiciary would benefit from the appointment of any "A" category ASA or APD. They are the "Seals" of the battle, the front liners, the Green Beret's of criminal law. Seriously get a clue and stop hating people. Why is it so hard for anyone to give some serious recognition? ASAs and APD are in the pits working and working hard for justice. Give them some respect
RIP my old friend. Your laugh, smile, wit and easy-going style will be greatly missed by all who knew you. You died too young, but lived it well while you were here.
I only meant that even though I disagreed w/ Gabe he was a Good Guy and it was sad that he passed away so young.
I DID feel it would be hypocritical to send condolences considering my past posts and not to admit we had our differences.
I was not trying to talk about me, only preface my condolences with an admission that Gabe and I disagreed but I was still sorry for his untimely death.
The One on One comment was meant to mean that MY personal dealings & relationship vis –a- vis Gabe were always nice
It is not true that onlythe good die young. That's just absurd.
Hasta luego Gabe. If id known you were leaving i would have packed you some empanadas. It is sad you are not in this world anymore. RIP.
Carmen M. Vizcaino
Madeleine is cool headed and smart. One of the best trial lawyers in that office. She is shy, and that's why her face looks scowly, but she would make an excellent Judge.
DS you loved what what we were doing!! You have revolutionary blood. Don't front!! The office did not give u ur due respect! You knew your job was safe if we pulled it out!
RIP Gabe! You had guts. You gave us so many laughs. Best line ever by Sunny ' We may loose but we are sentencing them to 364.'
Nobody should be a judge untill they have made a living in private practice, period. Hendon is dumb as a box of rocks.
that doesn't even make sense. what a stupid comment. as if being in private practice makes u a better judge. so countless courtroom and jury experience doesn't matter unless u have been in private practice. whatever no one knows what is more at risk than a pit lawyer. all u care about is that u get the continuance so u can get your fee. that does not make u a better judge. and most apds and asa know how u need continuances. you are retarded.
DS will not admit to anything. He is too scared of retribution. He does not want to lose his job. DS went as far as he could in his posts to say nice things about Gabe. DS is always afraid Captain Carlos Queeg will fire him.
Madeline Acosta is my supervisor and she is a stand up woman. I am so proud of her and I hope that she gets appointed. She is so level headed and smart. She understands what it is like to struggle and pull yourself up by your own bootstraps. But she also has compassion and perspective. She will be phenomenal. There are so many judges in this circuit that are an absolute disgrace. She will not be one of them. She will make us proud and we will revere her for it.
As for DS, I know him well. He is a good man. He runs his mouth a little too much on this blog and that is what gets him in trouble. But his heart is golden and he will go to bat for anyone of us if we needed him. Cut him some slack people.
As for Rumpole, keep on keeping on my friend. You provide so many of us with a medium to express our joys and frustrations at the REGJB. Please, but a little nicer though.
Breezy has no business on the bench. She needs an attitude adjustment. Madeline is ok nothing special. Jason dimitris is the most qualified by leaps and bounds.
Rumpole is smart, funny and sexy. I love him to pieces.
to 7:07 PM
THE CAPTAIN RESPONDS:
Respectfully, sir, or madam, there are two points of view here and both are worth a look.
You stated:
"whatever no one knows what is more at risk than a pit lawyer".
You are correct. In Criminal Court. However, this Blog sometimes turns very bright individuals into short sited criminal defense lawyers.
There is another world out there: it is called:
General Jurisdiction Division.
And then there is:
Unified Family Division
and
Probate Division
There are 123 Judges in Miami Dade County; not all of them are assigned to County and Circuit Criminal.
In all of the other divisions, there are no pit attorneys and the amount of trials and courtroom work is much less than in criminal.
Instead, the real life drama of a private practice, the billable hour, the insurance defense client, the husband and wife fighting over the Picasso, and on and on.
There is a lot more out there than just 10-20-Life and 15 year MM.
I believe that many of our best judges are former ASA's and APD's. But there are a host of judges that are on the bench that came from a civil background or family background that have a very keen understanding of not only the law over there but of what the attorneys and the litigants bring to the courthouse.
That is something that a lifer from the SAO and the PDO does not always appreciate.
There is life outside of the GJB. And if you ever have to venture over to 73 West Flagler, or to the Lawson Building above the second floor, you will know of what I speak.
As for the finalists for the three open seats. Many of you do not know of and have never heard of Jason Dimitris. His name is well know in the Panhandle. And he will have a great shot at landing the open Circuit Court seat, if not one of the two County Court seats.
Steve Reininger is another name that no one on this blog will have ever heard of. But, you should know that he is partner of Joe Klock. Klock still has some pull in the RPOF and those ties extend to Tallahassee. Steve is a very well respected attorney with many years of experience.
A few of you may remember Julie Terry who worked at one time as an ASA here. She has been working for an insurance defense firm for several years now and has a great deal of trial experience in both criminal and civil. She will get a strong look for one of the open County Court seats.
And for all of you posters that believe Ms. Acosta is ready for the job, stop posting on our BLOG and start sending emails to Gov. Scott's office.
CAPTAIN OUT ....
Captain: As always, you are ill informed. There is no such entity called the General Jurisdiction Division. Consult your Florida Rules of Court. It is now referred to as the Circuit Civil Division. You don't get out much I guess.
Everyone here speaking of Gabe should remember that Cristina, the love of his life, may read your comments some day. Fighting and insulting each other is no way to celebrate his memory.
Gabe was an amazing man with strong values and he loved life, family and friends. He was loyal and generous and at 41, he had so much more to give this world. That's all people should be remembering now.
Mr. Sissel, perhaps the next time you write your condolences, you should consider whether you would want your significant other and loved ones to read something similar about you. What's disingenuous about your post is that you used it as an opportunity to discuss your views on Gabe's past instead of just saying that he was a nice guy that was taken from his friends and family much too early.
Danielle, I know your emotions are raw as you deal with a horrible, tragic and unexpected loss, but I encourage you and everyone else to reconsider what Sisselman said......
The fact that Gabe positively impacted those who disagreed with him politically is extremely meaningful. When a person runs for office or takes a public position, they necessarily are going to agree and disagree with the people around them. When they do things right, even those who disagree can speak positively about them as human beings, as Sisselman has done. When it's done sincerely, as here, it says a lot about the person being complimented. Sisselman intended to tell the world that Gabe was that kind of special man. Frankly, I'm a lot more disappointed that Bennett and his supporters didn't do the same thing Sissleman did. Then again, knowing how Bennett ran that office and handled himself, I'm not remotely surprised.
BTDT
Let's all agree to end this bullshit bickering back and forth about DS's post. Take it up privately instead of wasting time and space dwelling on small potatoes.
really you are going way too far blowing DS' comments out of puportion. Seriously you are acting like jerks. DS I get it, I know exactly what and how you meant it and you did nothing wrong. everyone else just needs to deal. we cannot please everyone and you know that on this blog u r damned if u do damned if u don't. so don't lose one moment of sleep because everyone who is attacking u are the one's that look like overreacting asses. Get over it.
Damn, Gabe. You left too soon buddy. Take it easy on the other side.
There is no need for strife. Gabriel enjoyed and embraced life, as well as people, including those he disagreed with. He held no grudges against anyone. He said those who hold grudges are short-sighted cowards who fear confronting and learning from those they disagree with. And, Gabriel was fearless. He enjoyed debating anything and everything from politics to social issues to religion with anyone. Gabriel knew that the most intelligent people could make mistakes in judgment and those who lacked intellect every once in a while would come up with a great idea. So, he listened and considered the thoughts and opinions of all who crossed his path. He debated and argued with great passion and then shook hands, patted people on the back, sat back and smiled about how fun it was.
He understood all that was good and great about people. He also understood their fallibility. So, he forgave people long before they ever asked for forgiveness. Gabriel taught me a great deal in that regard.
Gabriel also taught me to get off the highway, take the scenic route, stop in places never before seen and meet new friends along the way. He passed away much too soon for us, but he LIVED his life without compromise or regret. Gabriel was filled with happiness and joy and he left that happiness and joy for us to share and remember him by. Do not cry for him. Instead, smile and laugh a little more.
So, next time you think of him, invite some friends over (be sure to include some hot, strong and opinionated women), grab some ice cold beers, open a bottle of wine, poor a glass of scotch, lay out a spread of prosciutto, chorizo, cheeses, olives, crackers and bread, put on some great music, (anything from Johnny Cash to Luda to Shakira), sit back, smile and start talking. That’s what he would do.
Cheers! Cristina Alonso
On a personal note, I appreciate that some of you are concerned about my feelings. Thank you. But, there is no need for anyone to edit or moderate their comments, because of concern or consideration for me. Gabriel had balls of steel. I have ovaries of steel. Speak freely.
Wow. I never knew how lucky gabe was... Great girl
I love you Cristina Alonso, no wonder he chose you as his wife. Your husband, my friend, Gabriel Ignacio Martin was a beautiful human being. He was special indeed in so many ways. May we all learn from him to hold no grudges and love life fully. I am so glad we got to spend some special times recently, it was meant to me. Your message was so classy and beautiful, you made me cry and smile at the same time. I love you my friend. Terri M. Peña.
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