Today we are celebrating the life of my wonderful grandfather, whom I called Popo. It is impossible to paint a picture with words as to who my grandfather was, because words would not suffice. Therefore we are blessed to have known him personally, and each of us has our own individual memories and experiences to keep in our hearts forever.
My Popo was a magnetizing person, his unique charm and charisma was loved by many. God used that gift throughout his life in every aspect. He was a handsome man and he was proud to tell everybody that it was the Alaniz in him. In fact, there was nothing an Alaniz couldn't do; however, because of that mentality, he left a legacy of valuable attributes in our family that will forever be passed down. When I think of wisdom, I think of my grandfather. He told us many stories of how common sense and the blessings of Jesus took him to great heights in his life and saved him from many difficult times. I always told him his stories were worthy of being written about because so many of them seemed impossible or death defying and while he would repeat many of his stories throughout the years, they always seemed intriguing.
He had a wealth of knowledge from life experiences that he always shared with us. My Popo had a 2nd grade education from Mexico but surpassed the odds and became a successful superior in his career with the Massingill Company. He had people with college degrees asking him how he was running such a successful business and what university he attended. But my grandfather would humbly laugh and respond that he wasn't quite sure himself. He never took credit for what he knew Jesus Christ had instilled in him.
And while my grandpa did not have much schooling as he would say, he always encouraged me to keep forth in my education. He was so proud of me when I graduated college and I can honestly say, that he has been my number one fan since the day that I was born. His admiration for me was something I never doubted; he always made it known to me and everyone that I was his baby.
My Popo was the hardest worker I have ever met. He instilled in our family the importance of perseverance and working hard for what you want to achieve. He worked hard to provide for his family, regardless of the sacrifice. He came into this country as a Mexican brazero with a beautiful bride along his side and fulfilled the American dream. He wasn't a rich man, but he had a wealth of knowledge that he passed down to us, he didn't pursue a musical career, but his songs always hit gold in many hearts, and while he never received a humanity award, he was a giving man that always looked out to help others in need. He was born with a passionate soul and through the sounds of guitar strums and a heartfelt voice he lured you in to experience a part of him. Music was an integral part of who he was, it ran through his veins. Singing with my grandpa will be a treasured memory I will always keep close to my heart.
Although he is not here with us in person, His memory will never be forgotten. My grandfather is now home with his Heavenly Father and I know that when he took his first steps on the streets of gold, looked at the crystal sea and heard the harmonious songs of the angels…he must have stopped and thought to himself, "They better not be crying for me down there, because I'm living a whole lot better than they are right now that's for sure. Pobresitos, I kind of feel sorry for them". He then probably continued to walk and joined in on the beautiful hallelujah praise.
He didn't want us to grieve but celebrate his life and forever keep his memory in our hearts. He wanted for us to listen to his words of wisdom and apply it to our lives. He wanted us to carry his legacy by living an honorable life and passing down the valuable attributes that he strived to demonstrate to us. He has lived an incredible life and I am blessed to have had such a wonderful man as my grandfather. I know that he will greet me in Heaven one day with his charming smile and a sweet kiss on my hand, just the way he told me goodbye here on Earth.
While his absence here on Earth causes us heartache now, we need to dwell in the Lord's peace that he is in now walking among Heavenly mansions alongside his Savior. We must remember that one day it is promised in Revelations 21:4 that The Lord will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning, crying, or pain, for the old order of things will pass away. Till that day comes, we should remember that those who are Christians are citizens to a Celestial eternal home and that Earth is only our temporary home.

(Note from Natalie Cyrus: This is what I wrote for my Popo's memorial service. I didn't think I would be able to actually read it but I got up and attempted it...I couldn't even finish the first sentence because I couldn't hold it together. I looked directly at my Aunt Renee, my mom's best friend since elementary school. I had already designated her to read it, if I wasn't going to be able to read it. She got up as did my Aunt Belinda... while they walked towards me I kept thinking to myself that I HAD to do this for my grandpa... I WANTED to do this for him. I was his baby...his first grandchild and if there was anyone in this world that thought I was the most special girl in the world... it was my grandpa. As they approached me, and they put their hands on my shoulders... the Holy Spirit gave me great peace and I was able to continue on reading. I knew they were standing next to me praying for me. I just wanted to share for those that couldn't attend the memorial.)

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Santana Alaniz, age 76, entered into rest July 20, 2011, in Del Rio, Texas. He was born July 26, 1934 in Vallecido, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fernando and Antonia Alaniz. Brothers, Fernando Alaniz, Genaro Alaniz, Erasmo Alaniz, and Concepcion Alaniz. Sister Evangelina Garcia.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 56 years, Maria del Socorro Alaniz. Son, Santana Alaniz Jr., and wife Belinda. Daughter Sylvia Serna. Grandchildren, Santana Serna and Natalie Cyrus. Great-grandchild, Santana Ysrael Serna.