Happy to Live Another Day

Luis’ Saucy Boyz Clothing Instagram account provides a window on his business and his spirit.

This week I learned that one of the 16 identified victims of the Surfside collapse was only 26 years old. From the Miami Herald:

Luis Bermúdez, a 26-year-old man from Puerto Rico and 7th floor resident of Champlain Towers South, was killed in the collapse, according to family members who announced his death on social media.

Struck by how young this victim was, I kept reading. Three or four paragraphs in, I learned that young Luis Bermúdez had muscular dystrophy and used a wheelchair to get around. His mother and brother are still missing.

Luis ran his own clothing business, Saucy Boyz Clothing, that sold apparel featuring his sketches of his favorite food: sushi. While acknowledging on social media that his condition made it difficult to use his hands and fingers, Luis said he was “persistent” when it came to finding a way to make his art and described himself as a man with “a big heart” and “happy to live another day.”

My initial interest in this Miami Herald story was simply to learn what sorts of people lived – and have died – in that Miami high rise. Tourists? Retirees? Snow birds? I wasn’t expecting to relate to any of them. But now I do.

Being diagnosed with a chronic disease or disability when you are young can spark a sense of urgency in you, motivate you to squeeze in a full life now, take advantage of opportunities that come your way.

Starting your own clothing business in your twenties, for example. “Because of my attitude I have achieved my dream,” Luis shared on his Instagram. “The purpose of these designs is to share my art with the world and let them know that despite whatever impediments they may have, they can achieve what they set out in their mind and heart. There are no limits.”

I can also relate to Luis Bermúdez’ parents. Mike and I have an adult son who uses a wheelchair, and when the Miami Herald reporter interviewed a family member about Luis, they described him as “the light of the eyes of his father.” Those of you who have followed the Mondays with Mike feature on our blog know about Mike’s devotion to our son. Gus is the light of Mike’s eyes, and shortly after finishing reading the Miami Herald story yesterday, I made our train reservations to Wisconsin. We’ll be celebrating the Fourth of July with our son there.

And thinking of Luis and his family.