Michelle Flores
March 27, 2025
In memory of our cherished son, Fermin Luis Espinoza:
On January 3, 1968, we joyfully welcomed our first-born son, Fermin Luis Espinoza, into our family. He was truly a blessing from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Although the doctor informed my wife and me that our baby boy was born with Down syndrome, we knew in our hearts that God had gifted us with an incredible child. We felt chosen to embrace this journey with him.
Once we brought him home, we gathered with family to celebrate his arrival. As he grew up, my wife took exceptional care of our son alongside our 5 daughters and twins, a boy and a girl.
My wife emphasized to our children that Fermin Luis could achieve anything, just in his own time. As a family, we treated him as a child with many abilities rather than focusing on any disabilities. Although my wife sometimes felt exhausted, she always found strength in her faith to carry her through.
As the years went by, Fermin Luis became capable of many daily tasks within his abilities. At the age of 2, he attended a special needs school. Shortly after, he progressed to elementary school, then middle school, and ultimately graduated from Worthing High School where he learned to break dance.
As we remember, we attended a Quinceañera (a girl’s fifteen birthday) where, to our surprise, Fermin Luis walked onto the dance floor and showcased his break-dancing skills for the first time in front of family and friends. Through his dance moves and love of music, he brought joy and laughter to everyone! He truly was the life of the party!
On another occasion, I recall my oldest daughter, Cecilia, inviting the neighborhood kids to play at our home. She made it clear that her brother was a special child and that if they made fun of him, they were not welcome to come over. She truly adored her brother.
Another time, Father Martin, the priest at St. Mark’s Evangelist Catholic Church, told my wife and me that he had the skills and ability to teach Fermin Luis how to follow the mass and serve as an altar boy. Over time, Father Martin worked with him, and before we knew it, Fermin Luis was serving as an altar boy for Sunday masses.
Our son was always joyful, smiling, and ready to embrace life.
Although he could not speak, he effectively expressed his needs, wants, and feelings. We were truly blessed by Almighty God with Fermin Luis, whom we felt was an angel sent to us to care for. My wife and I miss him dearly, and we believe in our hearts that Jesus came to take him home to heaven.
We also know that Fermin Luis brought numerous blessings to our home and to those around him. There were moments when he would become upset if we needed to correct his behavior, but shortly after, he would come to us and give us a hug. He was such a loving and caring son, and we deeply miss him and his warm embraces.
As I reflect on our time together, I recall a special moment when Fermin Luis used hand gestures to ask me to connect the DVD player to the TV in his room while we were watching a show in the living room. I told him I would do it later. After that, he got up and left the living room, and I expected him to return shortly, but he did not. Eventually, I went to search for him in the house, and to my surprise, Fermin Luis had figured out how to connect the DVD player to the TV by himself. Standing in the doorway of his room, I watched as he gestured to me, proudly demonstrating that he had successfully set it up and was happily enjoying his movie.
As my wife and I reflect on his life, with its challenges and successes, we are reminded of countless memories that will forever live in our hearts. We know that we, along with many others, have many special moments to share about our beloved son, Fermin Luis Espinoza. He was truly a remarkable person who spread love, joy, and laughter to everyone he encountered. We say to you, God bless you, son, now and forever. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.
With lots of love,
Mom and Dad
Rosa S. Espinoza
F. G. Espinoza Jr.
P.S.
It was both a privilege and an honor to care for you, son, during your final years with us.
