06/20/2026
Strong foundations matter—in dentistry and in life.
Many of us got ours from Dad.
Meet Abel …
My father came to this country from Guatemala with a dream that was bigger than himself. He left behind his family, his home, and everything familiar in pursuit of a better future. That journey eventually led him to New York City, where he began building the life he had envisioned—not just for himself, but for the generations that would follow.
Growing up, I watched my dad work multiple jobs without complaint. No matter how tired he was, he was always willing to put in extra hours and extra effort to make sure my siblings and I had opportunities and experiences he never had as a child.
Ironically, some of my favorite memories of this hardworking man aren’t of him working at all—they’re of him screaming on roller coasters and hopping onto every amusement park ride with us like he was one of the kids. For a man who spent most of his life carrying responsibilities, he never missed a chance to create joy and laughter for his family.
His work ethic was one of the first qualities I ever admired, and before I knew it, it became a part of who I am. But the lessons he taught me went far beyond hard work. I remember seeing him study his Bible, live with humility, serve others, and lead by example. Looking back, I learned far more from watching him live his life than from anything he ever told me.
The loudest lessons came from his quietest moments. His calm demeanor during chaos, his ability to stay composed under pressure, and the steady confidence he carried through life’s challenges are qualities I still strive to emulate today.
One memory that has always stayed with me is something most people would never notice. As a child, I was fascinated by my dad’s hands—especially his fingernails. No matter how much he washed them, there always seemed to be a little dirt underneath. To me, that wasn’t dirt. It was evidence. Evidence of long days, hard work, sacrifice, and a man doing everything he could to provide for his family.
I am the man I am today because my father gave so much of himself for me and our family. His sacrifices created opportunities that my siblings and I now get to enjoy, and his example continues to guide us every day.
His legacy doesn’t live in the things he built—it lives in the people he built. It lives in his children, his grandchildren, and in every lesson he passed down through the way he lived his life.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad. Thank you for showing us what strength, humility, faith, and sacrifice truly look like. We love you.
-Dr. Aguilar
