Rafael Ortega

This is my father, i never got to establish the relationship i always wanted with him due to him being in and out of my life... but I never felt resentful towards that and always wanted some type of bond. He had AIDS and was a herion addict so it was best he stayed out my life, i assume. I dont know much about his life story to speak for him on here but i can try to summarize what i know to the best of my ability...

Here is a man named Rafael Ortega, a man who had a strong desire to be a better person. Struggling with addiction for a great portion of his life & eventaully contracted AIDS from a friends dirty needle that was also used to inject herion. His addiction led to him stealing and robbing which also led to a lengthy criminal record. Although he's made bad choices I know deep down he had a desire to be the father he never was to his son (me). I guess in his eyes the damage was done and thought maybe i was better off without him. he might have been right as much as i wanted a dad but hey, what can you do?

When he passed though, the hospital didn't contact any family and i was unaware of his death til 7 months after it occured. He shouldn't be buried here. He wasnt homeless nor unclaimed. The hospital didn't go through the means of finding someone to claim him which is unfortunate. My family couldnt afford a lawsuit so we had to settle as hart island as his resting place. I hope he's in a better place though.