We met early on, when I retired from baseball, shortly after 2008. I would often play in the recreational leagues in Denver, in the Mexican league at the cross streets of 6th Ave and Federal Blvd. I loved playing in that environment—the passion, the food, great competition—and what made it was the fans; so loud, cheering on with the same intensity I had witnessed in Mexico. Her father mentioned to her in passing that he would like her to meet some white guy that he thought she would like, and she kindly dismissed the idea. Eventually we met. She was a pretty girl, a sports fan—something right up my alley.
We always flirted with each other, despite me having a girlfriend, as we always seemed to have a “thing” for each other. I would play with her hair (even though she hated when people touched her hair), tease her when I saw her, and she was always happy and vibrant when she was around. Over the years, we hung out together—with my girlfriend at the time, along with my nephews and her brothers—and she always made the best micheladas. I couldn’t point to one specific thing that stood out about her. It was just her aura—her pretty face, her knowledge of sports, and how easy and comfortable it felt when she was around.
Fast forward 17 years—she became more and more important in my life, often being with me in times of tragedy. When I was confronted by my girlfriend of 13 years and Ana, Ana was devastated. She said, “You did this to me, Jeff?” I was heartbroken for hurting both of them—especially Ana, someone who was always there when I needed her. We separated for a couple of months after that incident while I embarked on my personal growth journey. I wrote her a 25-page manuscript about my DBT therapy and Ketamine experience, and the new zest for life I had. I wanted her. I wanted her family—who I had known for 17 years.
I realized she had always loved me. When she stood by my side after the blow-up with all the women and my rock bottom, she told me she had loved me for all these years. Her loyalty and faithfulness, while being the same woman I met 17 years ago, was incredibly attractive.
She taught me about loyalty, loving unconditionally, faithfulness, and what being a true partner means. My eyes were finally wide open—to what true love is and what it means. And she had been right in front of me all along. I was so blind, but now I can finally see.
Over the past 6 months or so, Ana has been living with me—slowly moving her things into my house. One pair of shoes, one shirt… then two pairs of shoes, three scrubs (because she is a nurse)… then suddenly, she had a full-blown wardrobe at my house. But I didn’t mind. I wasn’t scared. It felt natural. She took amazing care of me, made my lunches, made sure I was eating healthy dinners. Everything felt amazing—until the night of May 23rd.