Pedro and Pablo together in front of magenta fabric — Pedro Diaz Ceballos & Pablo / Michael Sugrue

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Pedro Diaz Ceballos & Pablo

Pedro’s letter

In their own words

Translated from Pedro’s Spanish letter. Two handwritten words in one passage remain unclear. Pablo’s separate letter follows below.

Dublin, 20 April 2024
My dear seventeen-year-old Pedro,
It had been a long time since I thought of you or spoke to you. Some moons have passed. Today I write to tell you that nothing you set your mind to is impossible. You have come quite far. You have two degrees, master’s degrees, and you live in Ireland.
I do not know at what point in the twelve months of your current age this letter reaches you, but you are living through a period that will mark your life forever. Some heartless people will hit you hard. Your life will come to a standstill, but then you will get up with greater strength to take on the world.
You were born for great things. I am surprised by how much you affect my life today. Your smile, cadence, joy and personality are unfailing qualities that, together with your discipline, have built a life of full [word unclear] and vital [word unclear] that accompany you to this day.
I love you very much, and you must remember that you are always the best thing you will have.
I love you very much.
Pedro [signature]
2024

— Pedro Diaz Ceballos

Pablo’s letter

In their own words

The full visible English text, transcribed from Pablo’s photographed phone. Original wording retained.

Hi Pablo, how nice to talk to you, to know that you are well and to see who you are becoming, let me say that I am proud to be part of you, to see how you are growing and becoming a beautiful person, who fights for his ideals and who always seeks peace with you, let me tell you that if you managed to come out of the wardrobe and have found someone who loves you and respects you for who you are, that you are capable of receiving love and giving it away leaving a seed in the hearts of people who, even when they are far away, always remember you with love.
Please don't ever change your desire to live, to learn, don't ever change your heart that is touched when you see someone who needs your support, that defines you and remember that life is cyclical and the time will come when you need to receive it and those hands will always be extended to you.

— Pablo