“The beauty of survivors is their capacity to show empathy and sympathy as they heal in a safe holistically sustainable group of mentors/family. They are our treasures.” – Alexander Villarreal
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I didn’t really meet him for the first time on the streets of Portland, Oregon. We would share the half head nod that is really a upward jut of the chin with an eyebrow raise in acknowledgment. That was about it.
I’d see him on the sidewalks of Burnside St. as well but never approached.
Seemed like he was always occasionally somewhere I was in Portland, until I left.
Decades later, through random social media connections, we came in contact again. He was intrigued by the story of a puppy I had rescued. At this time, many people were commenting about the pup, who was rescued from certain death from numerous jungle ants. But Alexander privately messaged me:
“He was rescued out of such pain. I am certain he has a deep happiness for coming out of it. I would love two pics of him one as a pup and second of him looking noble to post on my wall that says, ‘New born pink puppy found in a pile of stinging ants crying out for help. Rescued to become a part of a family.’ I am attached to his story because in some ways it’s similar to mine.”
That is when I learned Alexander’s story:
“I was found wandering the streets eating garbage, pieces of baloney at 2 years old. The state took me and I ended up in over 7 foster homes. The final one was very abusive. Now, I have an amazing spiritual family which are loving me lavishly. This consistent patient love is slowly awakening my true design. I can now see, feel, and taste love. My brain’s neural pathways and elasticity are slowly healing.”
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He was a survivior of abuse and human trafficking. He struggled. Then Alexander found something. He found salvation. He found a way to heal his suffering, a way to help himself and others:
Alexander found family, his street family whom he had carried and who had carried him, his spiritual family who helped facilitate his healing, and even some of his blood family who were remarkable to have been found. Through these families, Alexander found ways to help other victims and survivors.
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Alexander Villareal passed away early on Monday morning, May 18th. He was found unconscious and was unable to be revived. He will be missed, but his influence of positive change will continue on in the legacy of lives he touched.
When I heard of Alexander’s death on social media, I cried. When I watched the videos of his presentation, I cried more. I cried a lot that day. I didn’t cry so much for Alexander though. For a person who had suffered so much abuse, to pass in sleep was hopefully a blessing. I am sure I cried for myself. I also cried for the lives still here that Alexander had touched. I cried for my own suffering and that of so many in this world. I cried for those who Alexander wouldn’t be able to directly help anymore. I cried for a chaotic world that really doesn’t make logical sense most of the time. Yes, I cried.
I know a lot of people were crying that day. The image I had in my head was the tears of love we all shed propelling Alexander to the form of paradise he envisioned. The tears that fell from those whose lives he touched were tears of release as well. Release of the pain we had felt, the pain that Alexander seemed to be taking away with our tears. Which is a very Alexander Villareal thing to do.
If I were to list all the words of love for Alexander here, this article would scroll on for hours. Instead here is a small sample:
“My friend, you beat the odds by surviving. You fought to change your life and in that you touched so many lives. It was a blessing to know you and witness your journey. I’m so thankful that you were able to meet your family and find some peace. You will be greatly missed and remembered with so much love. I know your light is shining bright…. you’ll forever be in our hearts.” — Noël Richmond
“Rocky roads are never limited to the lost and weary. They are paths that life lays in front of us to overcome and learn from those challenges and barriers. Alex survived so many of those challenges. Took his experiences and fought endlessly for those that couldn’t leave the rocky roads. A proverbial guide to the light at the end of the rocky tunnels. An advocate for those lost or trapped in the cycles of addiction and the underbelly of our society, the lost and often ignored or forgotten. He never forgot! A rock to cling to, and a good friend. He took the reigns, led the good battle and never took ‘No’ as a final answer. Taking his fight all the way to city hall, working within the system, to better the resources and further his advocacy for those that could not do so for themselves. His light has dimmed, and he will be forever missed. Last February, him and I met up for coffee in PDX, it was the first time we had seen each other face to face in over 20 years, and all he did for the first 10 mins was smile and hug me over and over.” — Arrow Litster
“My eyes are so swollen from all my tears. My head is pounding. Alex was doing such important work in this world, I never expected him to leave so soon. He came so far, he was walking his talk and standing up for our most vulnerable children. We had a agreement, we could call each other anytime day or night because sometimes we just needed each other. You develop a special bond when you go through unimaginable things with someone. We had that bond. Alex experienced things most nightmares don’t compare to. He found the strength to survive. Some days with many tears. Then he rose up further and put himself through college and went out to make a change in this world. To help prevent others from ever knowing his pain. The last time we talked was one of those rough nights, not long ago when he called late. We had one of our deepest heart to hearts since we were teens. I am going to miss my very special friend.” — Angeline Crowder
At Alexander’s memorial, Janus Youth announced that a fund, which had been started by Alex and a colleague, for the needs of at-risk youth is going to be named “Alex’s Kiddos” in honor of Alex. This fund was used as recently as Sunday to purchase a plane ticket to fly a young person back to their family. Alex was caring for others up to the day before he passed away.
As I finish the final edits here, the tears are back. Alexander will be remembered, and I am proud to call him friend.
Photo: Arrow Lister
I would love to start off by saying my brother was a good man and love to help others as much as he could. He had a big heart and and cared deeply about his work. But it hurts us as his family that the facts about his childhood in this article are untrue. He did find out the truth 2 years ago when he came back home. We love and miss our brother may he rest in peace