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HomeObituaryA Name I Wish I Knew: Javier Angel

A Name I Wish I Knew: Javier Angel

BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2025 January 9, Thursday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
editor@blairtoday.com – Facebook

At BlairToday, our mission is to highlight the good people of our town. Every story we write – whether about business, government, sports, or even weather – has one core purpose: to honor or promote something good about Blair’s people.

Even our obituaries serve this purpose – to remember those who meant something to someone, perhaps to you.

When I saw the obituary for Javi Angel, a man who served so many of us at El Vallarta, I felt compelled to share more than just the standard notice. While all residents who leave us deserve remembrance, I’d like to share a personal story about my interaction’s with Javi.

Like many Blair families, we regularly dine at El Vallarta – in fact, we were there just last Sunday evening. Since the staff primarily speaks Spanish, I’ve made an effort to learn enough to place orders, ask basic questions, and say please and thank you.

About six months ago, I realized I didn’t know the names of the people serving my family. So I learned to ask “¿Cuál es tu nombre?” (“What is your name?”). Through this simple question, I came to know Antonio, Roberto, and Amelia – and through knowing Amelia’s name, I learned she was Javi’s wife.

Over the years, we’ve grown to love Amelia and all the El Vallarta staff, but Amelia holds a special place in our hearts. She’s shown endless patience with our fumbled orders and always greets us like family.

Yet I never asked Javi his name. The last time he served us was during a business meeting. I ordered in Spanish for myself, my employee, and my wife, but didn’t ask his name. As he professionally managed our table and others around us, he coughed occasionally – something I dismissed as a minor cold.

I never imagined it was esophageal cancer.

Even while battling what he must have known was a serious illness, he continued serving our town – hundreds of times.

Next time I visit El Vallarta, I’ll pay my respects to Amelia if she’s there. And I’ll make sure to learn more names of those who serve there. It’s vital to know our town’s people and build relationships while we can – not write about missed opportunities later.

But this message extends beyond El Vallarta and Javi. Take time today to learn something about someone who crosses your path. Spend a moment with a friend or family member you might usually pass by.

And if it means learning a little Spanish, do it.

To Javi I say, ‘Gracias, y que descanses en paz’, for how you treated us in Blair. And to Amelia – thank you for sharing him with us. May God give you peace during this difficult time.

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