Sad News Yesterday — Trinidad Sanchez, Jr. — Passes
Lorna Dee Cervantes posted this today:
FROM Regina Chavez y Sanchez:
My beloved husband, Trinidad Sánchez, Jr., died today at the Methodist Hospital. He was such a loving man, gentle spirit and leader. His words and laughter will live on forever. The poet, activist and teacher must live on in all of us!
August 2nd, 2006 at 8:33 am
to regina chavez y sanchez, beloved wife of trinidad sanchez, jr:
my name is viola and i am one of many people who knew and loved trino in the chapter preceding his life with you in the southwest. he was our poet laureate and muse in the barrio.
as you can well imagine, trino inspired people in many ways. unlike most, it seems he hit his stride later rather than sooner in life. to be noted: his earlier life was a productive one of tremendous charity and service to the forgotten and downtrodden. though he helped countless others, he needed to help himself to define and release the poet from within. the delay in his destiny mattered little because when he arrived, he did it with both ferocity and aplomb — like a long-starved man seated at a sumptuous banquet consuming everything in sight, but discreetly, with the proper silverware and the most enviable table manners. besides an appreciation for poetry, trino taught us that it is never to late to answer our true calling, whatever it is.
i have to remind myself of trino’s example when i entertain self-defeating notions. granted, trino had some natural gifts to work with, yet he worked diligently to hone his craft in his own image. to help him achieve his goals, he deliberately surrounded himself with those who brought out his best and most personal work. he taught us patience and reward, too.
i’d love to meet you one day and tell you some of the funniest trino stories ever. of course, right behind me would be minions of his fans and friends to share their experiences with one of nature’s most beautiful creatures. he will be forever loved and missed.
PS - so far, he has been the only one to make my friend christy and me
immortal. in one of his books, he included a poem called “las
hueritas” dedicated to a couple of his favorite white chicks.
August 3rd, 2006 at 6:50 pm
Hello! Your letter is amazing, thank you ever so much for sharing so much. I would love to hear as many Trino stories as you have. It is the love and warmth you show for him that is a wonderful testiment to who he is and was. Once again, thank you!