Written by Roberto Gutierrez:
For those who never met Dr. Gilbert Gutierrez...
He was the greatest man i ever met. He was an MD when it was rare for Hispanic individuals to be MDs. He never turned people away and would ask for whatever payment you could give. I am sure there are many happy people who traded chickens for check-ups. He had hands of steel, but gave great hugs. He stopped practicing medicine when, in his words, “the system wouldn't let me help people anymore." Apparently insurance companies can't convert chickens to dollars. His medical office is still open.
The thing is...this is nothing. He is the father of 12. Grandfather to more than 40 (sorry i have lost count). His children are businessmen and women, doctors, PhDs nurses, teachers and caretakers of every practice. His grandchildren are PhDs, nurses, teachers, lawyers, vets, students, military, federal agents, computer scientists and more.
Still nothing. In my opinion his greatest accomplishment is his family, which i am honored to be a member of. His family is full of mothers, sisters, brothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, in-laws, guests, coworkers, neighbors and more. Regardless of who you are, what your name is, where you come from or where you are going, grandpa always met you with open arms and you immediately knew you were family.
I hope to be half the man he was. I hope to love my family with as much conviction and passion as he did.
Gilbert could have been anything, could have held any title, but i believe that his favorite title was Grandpa Gutierrez.
I am proud, honored and blessed to say i am his grandson.
Thank you grandpa and goodbye.
