For Nacho

"Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy." Eskimo Proverb

To all of Nacho's iphone art friends:

My name is Michelle & I am Nacho's beloved wife of 19 years. I can't begin to express my gratitude and sincere appreciation about what you have been doing for Nacho's memory and legacy for the past 12 days. He had such a high regard and respect for everyone on this site, it's so heartwarming to hear your thoughts of him!

I can't tell you the number of hours upon hours he spent on his computer crafting the perfect picture, the perfect posts and the perfect responses for pictures posted on this web site. He always demanded perfection of himself and was so grateful for the art you all posted day after day.

This has been the most difficult past 12 days in mine and my children's life. One thing that has kept me going each day is to review this website and see what pictures popped up next! What a gift - each time one of you posted a picture, tears would swell up at the kindness and generosity of your words.

I understand you're working on a book of his and your pictures... again, what a gift! I can't wait to see what a virtual room full of artists will come up with :)

My eloquence is not quite the same as Nacho's, but one thing I can say is: Thank you, thank you, thank you again a thousand times over! My children and I will forever remember this outpouring of love and support from people who knew Nacho in such a unique way - through his art!

With my sincerest gratitude, love and appreciation,
Michelle

Nacho - gone from making beautiful images, to making perfect sunsets. May his light shine on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, whether in person or virtually.

Michelle,
he was a great soul that inspired me and he always found the right words to describe a picture because he was such a sensible person. I still go back on all my flickr pictures and read his comments over and over again, trying to understand WHY such a special person had to leave us. All the words and pictures that you got from us for his memory are not simple pictures, they are the expression of a very deep friendship and appreciation. We miss him, he left an empty space that will not be replaced!
Laura

http://youtu.be/Ew6ef3nE-E4

I post this picture in the group For Nacho because it is the only one Nacho commented in my gallery and I think it should be between the pictures he liked.
http://www.iphoneart.com/users/1150/images/21304?page=53

Nacho was a leading light, a cheerleader a brilliant artist and the most articulate and generous person, of his time and thoughts I've ever known. It is amazing to me how deeply he touched my heart! And to think, I never even met him.

I posted two images. One, "SIlent Blue" because it was the last one he commented on and .. with his usual style of enthusiasm and encouragement! The second, " For Nacho - with Love" because I shot it probably right about the time he died.

He had a soul and a heart that mattered! He made a difference in this world to me, and to many I'm most certain!

We were all gifted to have had our lives touched by this Angel.

Shine on, Nacho!

Cindy -- your words match my experience closely. I think Nacho had the gift of making everybody feel special, while at the same time engaging them to explore possibilities and significances. I don't believe I've ever experienced another person with such a gift, and I doubt I ever will. I'm grateful to have had my life enriched by him, as I am sure are all he touched.

The photo I posted was one of a series I took on a foggy morning at the beach. He gave me wonderful feedback on this series and even knew the location. I choose the one of a person walking towards the ocean in the fog because it's one of my favorites and represents the journey he is now taking; apart from those of us he touched in this realm, onto places unknown to touch other souls in other realms. Godspeed, Nacho.

In a world full of virtual "friends," Nacho managed become a real friend to so many of us in the iphoneography community even though we never met him. Speaking for myself, he just had a way of making me feel special. His comments were never given lightly or without considerable thought. And when I received a comment from him on one of my images, it was like receiving a beautiful gift wrapped elegantly and tied with an exquisite bow. His words were something to savor and read over and over again. When I first joined IPA, he was one of the first artists to comment on my work and encourage me in my efforts. From the first, he always called me by my real name, not my screen name, and made attempts to know me beyond my avatar. He even visited my wedding website and commented on my work there, which amazed me. I truly believed I would meet him someday, and while that is not to be - at least not in this life - I am happy to have known him and to have been touched by his kind heart and gentle soul. Godspeed Nacho. You will be missed.