Today we’d like to introduce you to Hank Estrada

Hank, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I am living proof that a wonderful, long term loving relationship is possible for those of us who have managed to push forward in life after experiencing childhood domestic violence, sexual victimization and assault trauma. I recently lost my beloved husband of 40 years, Antonio to complications from Parkinson’s disease. Our love story continues today via his active presence in my life from the other side and I continue to feel him with me, more than ever.
It has become my understanding that all we shared in our 40 years together, has prepared me to now continue moving forward alone, with the knowledge he shared and the tremendous support he provided me. Through Antonio I have become a confident, and inspiring public spokesman for survivors of trauma which now includes all the intense grief journey I am currently learning to navigate and share with others who have lost loved ones.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

There have been moments of tremendous grief and overwhelming sadness that I had no idea of how to control or stop. I felt complete loss without the love of my life, physically next to me, in the car or sitting next to me in his recliner. The overwhelming heartache of returning home to a now empty house is sometimes terrifying and I don’t want to enter this space. No one prepares us for this experience yet most of us will at some point in our lives experience the unexpected and painfully tragic loss of a loved one.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

During our 40 years together, both Antonio and I, were gifted with many artistic talents that we shared and enjoyed creating with each other and on our own. I found passion in building beautiful rustic garden benches from recycled headboards and reclaimed lumber. I enjoy landscaping projects and recently built a memorial arbor for Antonio in our front yard from some of the left over scrap lumber.
In 2009 I had always wanted to learn how to paint in oils, landscapes of our spectacular southwest surroundings. I finally made the decision to sign up for a private lesson and LOVED the experience and have proudly finished a few landscape paintings. I was excited to sell my first over-sized landscape oil painting when we sold a property that had one of my first paintings displayed on a wall. The property buyers saw it upon touring the home and asked if the painting was for sale. Antonio and I consulted with each other and I said yes. I’ve been supported to continue painting and selling my creations ever since.

What was your favorite childhood memory?

When our family would pile into our oversized station wagon and drive through neighborhood during Christmas seeing holiday yard and house displays with my siblings, returning home to attempt to recreate those displays which we loved most. Parents would play Christmas music, mom would make cookies and serve hot chocolate and we’d decorate our tree.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hankestrada.com

Image Credits
Images by H.C. Estrada & A.R. Garcez