Rafael Enrique Garcia III "Champ"

On January 24, 2009 Monica and I had the opportunity to attend the Temple and perform baptisms for the dead, in the which we performed a baptism for my cousin Rafalito who was brutally murdered on August 19, 2004 while walking to a store not far from his home. The best part about performing the baptism for him, was that it was his birthday also.

As I stood in as proxy for him my heart ached inside for him. He was only 17 years old and had overcome a lot and turned out to be quite an outstanding young man. He was born into an abusive home, where he was constantly belittled by my uncle. He lived with us off and on a couple of times and he really loved my family as a child. I last saw him about 6 months before I left on my mission, so that was a long time ago. My mom and dad went to see him while he was staying with a school group in a hotel in Houston about a month before he was killed. When they attended the funeral for him they reported over a 1,000 people in attendance and that was just what was counted. The local news in San Antonio, TX showed pictures of the church and the entire place was surrounded by those who loved him. His big heart and his ability to love unconditionally made him more friends than I think he even knew he had amongst all levels of society. My mom recently received a CD from my aunt from some kids in his school who made a song about him. A cable crime tv show did a show dedicated to him and his case, and the science used to solve his murder.

I miss my cousin, and although I wasn't able to see him before he died, I know that the work which I did for him will be accepted and I will see him again, and then I will embrace Rafalito in my arms and tell him that I love him. I am grateful for temples and the great privilege given to us to perform the work therein for and in behalf of our ancestors and family members.