Obituary of Jorge H. Hernandez

55, of Tampa, passed away Wednesday, December 26th, 2012, at home. He is survived by a loving family. Jorge H Hernandez was a very successful man. His goals were based on love, integrity and pride. He was a strong, caring man all of his life. He loved his mother dearly and made sure that care was provided for her. Jorge started helping to support his family at 13 years of age. He worked throughout his life to support his family. He built a home for his family in Honduras where his mother lives today. He made sure that modifications continued to improve the home to improve the comfort and convenience of the home for his mother. Jorge's mom, Catalina, became an international traveler. She came and lived between Florida and LaCeiba for several years. She traveled to Tennessee, New Jersey and the Mayan Ruins in Honduras. She visited Washington, DC and Mickey Mouse in Walt Disney World. She is dignified, sweet and shines with the love of Christ. She became part of my entire family- sharing love even when there was no other language in common. Jorge helped his sister Eva move to the home to care for his mother and called frequently to talk to them- telling them that he loved them and wanted to see them again soon. Heaven will be our meeting place now. Jorge was smart, strong and willing to work hard- at his job and helping others. He formed strong friendships in Honduras and in the United States. Jorge loved to call and talk to friends and family. He kept in touch with friends in Fort Lauderdale, former co-workers and friends and family in Spain, New Jersey, Tampa and Honduras. He was always willing to help friends. His neighborhood friends knew where he kept his ladder and frequently would come by and ask to borrow tools. Jorge willingly shared with all- and if he had time would ask if they needed any help. I remember many Saturday mornings when I was sleeping in late- 8am, the phone would ring and one of Jorge's friends would need help. Jorge was not grumpy- he just got up and off to help a friend. I know that this was not a one way street, many of Jorge's friends kept in contact with him and would talk to him- sometimes several times a day. Friends came by to visit and bring him things he could eat and take him places. Good friends are a blessing and Jorge was blessed with many loving friends. Jorge loved his family and wanted to be with them. Jorge came to the United States in 1989. He was working in Fort Lauderdale near family, Obdulio and Bettina Palma and their children. He moved to Seminole, Fl and we met in 1990. Jorge had left his 5 children and mother in Honduras and he missed them. We would talk to them frequently- Jorge telling the kids to do well in school and not to get into trouble, but he missed them. Our kids came to live with us in December 2000 and May 2001. I have been in love with Jorge and our kids since I met them. Jorge loved having the kids here- and always wanted them with him- even as teenagers! We have been so blessed. Heber and Sharon helped take care of Jorge before we even knew what was wrong with him- through days when it was so frustrating. When Jorge began needing even more help; Ingrid, Ramon and their girls moved back home from New Jersey to help take care of him. Johnny moved back into our home so that he was available to help me if I needed it and to care for Jorge. Jorgito came and talked to him and helped him shave at times when Jorge needed the diversion. Ismeny helped her mom take care of Jorge and Lindsey. Lindsey helped Jorge with his speech therapy exercises and watched cartoons with him. My mom was always willing to come in and help Jorge, often when all other plans fell through. My Sister Anita learned to give tube feedings so that she was able to help out. Jorge was so blessed to have a family that loved him. He was never alone. Someone was with him- even when he was in the hospital- family was with him. Even after Jorge suffered with Frontotemperal Dementia he held on to his personality and love of his family. Jorge would spend the afternoon watching the Cartoon Channel with Johnny, watch novelas with Ingrid at her home, watch Disney shows with Ismeny and when Lindsey would run into the bedroom and kiss him they would watch cartoons and animated movies all afternoon. I would come home and ask Jorge what he wanted to watch and he would say, "You know what I like, Action Movies. No cartoons, No cartoons," but he never complained about watching them with the kids, He just loved being with them. Jorge was so strong he held on to his personaiity, his sense of humor and love for all of us even while his condition made that more difficult every day. Jorge became a citizen of the United States many years ago- he is survived by 4 sons, a daughter and son-in-law and 6 grandchildren, his mother, father, sisters Eva and Olga and many other sisters and brothers in Honduras, godchildren in Fort Lauderdale and Spain and me. (9 descendants are American citizens). Jorge wanted to be closer to Jesus. Jorge and I started attending a wonderful church, Pathways Community Church, when Frank was ill and then when Jorge's mother lived with us we took us with her to church. Jorge decided after he was ill that he wanted to be closer to Jesus and more like Him. Jorge was baptized to show the world his decision and to follow Jesus. Today he is close to Jesus, he has been transformed into a perfect body and is waiting for us to join him in heaven. Jorge was very successful by being a loving caring person with a wonderful sense of humor and built a strong family. I was blessed. I continue to be blessed every day by my family. My parents and sister and brother have loved and supported me. My children, Ingrid & Ramon, Jorge Jr, Maximo, Johnny and Heber & Sharon, and grandchildren have been loving and supportive of me and each other. They are strong and loving with a bond of family that gives all of us strength; just like Jorge would have wanted. Cindy Hernandez