It is easy to love the people far away. It is not always easy to love those close to us. It is easier to give a cup of rice to relieve hunger than to relieve the loneliness and pain of someone unloved in our own home. Bring love into your home for this is where our love for each other must start. -Blessed Mother Teresa

"Smile at each other, smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other -- it doesn't matter who it is -- and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other." -Blessed Mother Teresa

"Ay lo que llegamos."

Days after we celebrated our Sweet Bigfoot's first birthday, we got news that my grandpa had passed away. It was all pretty sudden, and for the most part unexpected. This man was a character all my life. He had his struggles, but oh how I know he loved me and all his family. He couldn't be more proud of us all. I know he thought of us often and prayed for us just as much. For awhile I was wondering what all I would write in this post to capture this dynamic man who wore his faults on his sleeve, but my Aunt Rina was able to do so much better in the Eulogy she wrote. As this piece was being read at the wake, all I kept thinking, through my tears, is that I want to have what she wrote so I can remember as well as so I can share it with our children. So, with that, I'm grateful that she gave me permission to share this on our blog. A post for us to always turn back to and remember. And, posting this soon after Veteran's day could not be more appropriate for my grandpa - a man who loved and fought for this great nation.

**

Eulogy by my Aunt Rina

08/05/1931 – 06/25/2012

There are a lot of things about my dad I’d like for you to know.  First of all being a father of six I remember him always being a working man.  We always had food, clothing and BBQ’s when we were little.  I remember my dad always loving to BBQ and having family over at our house.  Knowing that I guess that is where my brothers got the love of BBQing.  I remember him taking us to the San Juan Shrine on Sundays and even taking us to pony rides afterwards.  Or knowing that, come Fridays, he’d splurge and get Mr. Q burgers for all of us.  The big thrill of that was us going and trying to climb the steep walls they had there at the restaurant.  My dad was definitely a restaurant eater. Mom would place his regular orders and we would drive to pick them up just in time before dad got home and definitely after he had his few Falstaff beers!  My daddy loved to drink, well at one time, until the doctors gave him an ultimatum and one day to the next, cold turkey, never took another drink in his life. That was over 20 years ago.  He would often even tell us that drinking was bad, imagine that! 

 My dad to the ones that knew him probably remember him most as being a strong-headed, stubborn person - which, I won’t deny.  My dad too often spoke the truth which most could not understand.  Daddy was a very, very stubborn man. I remember when we would go to the VA he often complained about the pills he had to take and how they each caused him more problems.  I would tell him, “Ok dad, I will tell the doctor” and he would reply “No don’t tell them because for every pill they take away they will give you two more” or worse “Those doctors don’t know what they are doing; they only work for a paycheck”.  So obviously his theory about the doctors medical knowledge was slightly underrated.   I truly believe dad just liked to complain about mostly everything because he just could.  Dad was very tight with his money but had the biggest pocket when it came to giving to people. He was never empty handed with anyone he came across or went to visit.

Dad wasn’t much of an affectionate man.  Never was one to say “I love you” or “I’m proud of you”.  But one of the times that I was in the hospital with him, with every nurse that came in he would mention something about each of us indirectly.  He would mention that his son has a master’s degree and helps everyone because he works with Social Security.  My oldest daughter works for a CPA and is good at it because she’s been there too long.  My daughter has a college degree and makes a lot of money because she has to go all the way to Rio Grande City everyday because here they don’t pay much.  My youngest son lives on ten acres of land and has a big beautiful house too big for him so you should call him (this telling a young nurse after asking if she is married). My youngest daughter has a little girl, that says she’s going to be a nurse to take care of her mom. And this is my daughter Rina; she has her own business and will sell you all kinds of insurance. So by the end of the day after him repeating all the above to anyone that happened to come in after the nurse had heard it several times, I asked dad why do you keep telling these people the same story, they don’t even know us.  He said, Because I know that I wasn’t the best father to my children and I might not have much in life but the pride my children have given me just by what they have accomplished lets me know that I did something right in my life.

My dad didn’t drive fancy cars, but always routinely turned on the truck, floored the engine, wiped his truck clean. He did all this knowing my mom would get upset, but that didn’t stop him.  My dad didn’t dress fancy but guarantee you that in his closet were always white starched shirts along with his starched jeans that only a cleaner could make that stiff.  He didn’t travel much but made his weekly visits to church, Ruben’s grocery, my Tia Marinela’s house and Tio Rudy’s house and at times taking Jaclyn along for the ride.  He didn’t buy expensive things but in his pocket you could bet  had money in it, his comb, pen, and the famous Wrigley’s juicy fruit gum.  Dad was also very precise on how he wanted things like when he would send me to the bank to withdraw his money (as he didn’t believe in using checks).  I had to get exact amount of $100’s, $50’s, $20’s, $10’s and $1’s.  It was amazing how he had his little list of bills that he calculated every month to mark paid in his UTPAU notebook.

Dad was so proud of being from Starr County, loved telling his army stories, being a sharp shooter and how he would put all the tall guys to shame just to proove that even though short he was stronger and better.  He loved talking about the days in the ranch and how things used to be.  I remember when we were younger he’d leave me and my siblings at the ranch  for what seemed like forever, but would say it was because he wanted us to appreciate the things we had at home. I guess because we actually were privileged.  We were the kids that had the new bikes, toys, and mainly the pencil sharpener that it seemed the whole neighborhood would come and use. He was just proud to be from his lineage and everyone who has ever gone to our house will see that metal R & R marker which still stands proudly. It says it all.  Ironically it fit all of us because he named us all with names beginning with R’s.  I don’t know how or when he put it there but it was the beginning of where it was known to us as “meet you at the R&R”.

Dad was very proud of his grandchildren and I saw that when I was spending time alone in his room the day he passed away.  I looked around the room and as many times as I had been in it, all I could see were pictures of every single one of them. Pictures that I never noticed before.  His grandchildren are all grown up but the pictures of them were back when they were babies. This is what he woke up to every day of his life.  The joy he had telling everyone of his only great grandson, Joseph, that with that great smile he would have a lot of girlfriends.  The pride and love he had for his grandkids displayed by their cards and pictures was my dad’s treasure of gold.  Pictures of his parents were right by his side and his only brother Tio Rudy (of which we lost count of how many times they would fight but were right back with each other) were right next to his chair where he sat and loved to watch politics for hours. 

Dad spoiled his grandkids always giving them lottery tickets for Christmas hoping at least one could get back as much as he had spent.  He always had cookies and junk food at his hand for them.  The yearly question he would ask the grandkids “What does Christmas mean?  What does Thanksgiving mean? And his favorite, I don’t think I’m going to make it to another holiday and all ganging up on him saying “Grandpa you said that last year!”  But this time he really meant it.

It’s sad to say that my dad never went to see me or anyone of us at our school functions, open house, never took us to vacations or Disney but it never mattered to me.  What does matter to me was when at the time that I most needed my father, he was there for me telling me the exact words I needed to hear without judgment.  He was there to see me graduate, to walk me down the aisle, to dance with my daughters at their quinceneras, to know that my daughters were in college, to ask how much money my son had made in FFA, to see his grandkids graduate, see Amanda get her masters, his oldest grandson become a doctor, another grandson become a DJ, and another granddaughter who kept running. But, most importantly, it was that I was there when he needed me the most.  

These last few months of spending time with my father, looking forward to our lunches together; how I remember telling him that now it was me holding his hand making sure he was okay. But the best time that I will remember of my dad was spending a beautiful Father’s Day with him.  I remember at church I hesitated to put my arm around him (as I said my dad was not too affectionate) But when I did I told him “I love you daddy and God bless you” and he told me 

“Ya me Bendigo” and held my hand.”  I can still feel his touch and it now looking back feels like him telling me he was ready to go.

One phrase dad would say over and over more than ever before was “Ay lo que llegamos!”  Not really understanding, I asked him one time what does that even mean?  He said you work all your life to make sure that you do what you are supposed to do and no matter what, you come to this….dying!  Ay lo que llegamos!  This is what my dad knew was coming his way.  He had planned this day wanting a VA military funeral, no more doctors, no more pain.  He even had mom included to be buried with him with no knowledge even to me because even after 56 years his resting days is where he will wait for her in the peace he will be surrounded by.  I will miss him greatly; all together his cussing, complaining and stubbornness because no one can do it best as him.

I could go on forever trying to remember more things as I write this for my dad.  From what I was told, my dad knew his time was coming, he got to spend time during his last week with us on Father’s day with Mom by his side, visited with  Tia Marinela, Tio Rudy and Tia Minerva, went to church Sunday and ended the day playing water guns with his youngest granddaughter outside.  They say the greatest reflections of a man are his children, and looking at my brothers and sisters, we each carry a part of our father in us.  So for all of you that see good in us, I say “It’s from the reflection of our father.”

To our Army Hero, Business Advisor, storyteller, and best Daddy I could ever ask for, all I can do is wait to see you someday, Love you Rina…………………….

”Ay lo que llegamos”

**

Thank you so much, Tia, for sharing this. Our little family will treasure it and all the memories reflected in it about Grandpa. Ay lo que llegamos.

"Teach us to give and not count the cost." -St. Ignatius of Loyola

"Let us go forward in peace, our eyes upon heaven, the only one goal of our labors." -St. Therese of Lisieux

"The nation doesn’t simply need what we have. It needs what we are." -St. Teresia Benedicta (Edith Stein)

"Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought." -Blessed John Paul II

Our Bigfoot had a Birthday

Soon after our busy graduation weekend back in May, our sweet Bigfoot blessed us with a whole year and we celebrated at a local splash pad! We had such a great time and were so thankful for all the family and friends that came out to celebrate our precious son's year of life.

The birthday boy enjoyed the splash pad a few times previous so we thought this place would be a perfect spot for some good birthday times. End result: we were right!

Below are GeekMan and one of Bigfoot's Grandpa's. Grandpa and Yaya traveled quite a way, as did, Grandpa Ram and Nana, and Grandpa Wooley and Nonna; uncles and their beautiful ladies as well as Bigfoot's Great Aunt and Uncle! Lots of love from all over this great state!

Family pic with the P side of the fam.

Uncle Godfather and beautiful Amy.

Great Aunt and Uncle!

A baseball cake for our little one that loves his baseball bat and ball.

The A family. Grandpa Wooley and Nonna, Uncle A and his beautiful girlfriend with their little Bigfoot.

Bigfoot with two very special women that love him.

Bigfoot with Auntie Red. They love each other so much! Bigfoot was thrilled to have Auntie Red around!

Nana and Bigfoot playing around at the splash pad.

Grandpa Ram and Uncle Godfather with Bigfoot. So many loved ones all in one place!!

Bigfoot with his Godfather.

Our sweet little one had such a great time surrounded by so many that love him and that he loves. Great memories that we are so grateful for.

Happy Birthday, my little love. We look forward to the years to come! You have blessed us with such an amazing first year filled with so much goodness and we could not be more grateful to you for that!

XOXOXO,
Daddy, Mama, and Sweet P

"Let us go forward in peace, our eyes upon heaven, the only one goal of our labors." -St. Therese of Lisieux

Happy All Saint's Day!

I want to spend my heaven in doing good on earth. -St Therese of Lisieux

~~~

956 The intercession of the saints. "Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness. . They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus . . So by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped." CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, SECOND EDITION

Angels & Saints, pray for us.

"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." -Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

A Busy Graduation Weekend - Part 2

Yup, below you see images of this Aggie family in Texas Tech grounds. We went from TU to Tech in one weekend. I, honestly, never would have imagined such a combination for a weekend endeavor. But, we wouldn't have it any other way. These two institutions provided both our brothers with foundations that they need to get to be closer to their respective vocations.

After the long drive filled with wind farms, good old Texas plains, and some nausea from our sweet Sweet P, we arrived to land of the Raiders.We took it easy that evening enjoying family and then hit the sack! We were feeling the drive but so glad to be where we were! God was so good to us throughout our drive and time that weekend! We couldn't be more grateful for the amazing care he shared with us and the awesome love!

Below is Seph with his Nana! She couldn't wait to get her arms around you, sweetheart!

Nana looks like she's mid-laugh here, but here's a pic of Seph with his Grandpa Ram and Nana.

Our Seph with the lovely Miss Amy! Uncle Godfather's beautiful girlfriend came to support my bother during this huge accomplishment!

Grandpa Ram entertaining Seph with a rolled up booklet. This game never gets old and seems to do magic in the realm of occupying our little mr. every time!

Seph moved on to other holes that he could stick things into. Grandpa Ram's mouth seemed like an interesting place filled with foreign objects to explore. Grandpa Ram was a good sport about it.

G-G also came to be with us this weekend! Such a gift to be able to have her at Uncle Godfather's graduation!!! Not only was she there to support her grandson, but she also got to give lots of cuddles and share smiles with her first great-grandson! We loved having her there and are so grateful to God for blessing us with this precious gift of her time and presence!

My love and my brother along with our sweet Seph! Three incredibly important people in my life who I love so much! :D

Proud Parents!

Uncle Godfather and his beautiful girlfriend.

Our amazing grandma/G-G. She's so beautiful!

My Aunt came to show her support for her nephew too!! 

Family Pic!

There were so many great pictures from this weekend and only so many I could post. These two below are a series of two that had us all laughing for quite awhile (or at least I know I thought they were hilarious!).

As soon as Uncle Godfather left the ceremony to come find us all he could think about was his diploma. It was his precious. He had quite the grip on the entire time with us and would not let it out of his hands until...

His godson got a hold of it! Uncle Godfather's face is priceless! And, Seph's joy, smile, and laughter all come through these two pics. My little mischievous monkey got a hold of Uncle Godfather's diploma and chucked it! Guess he was just trying to express his sentiments towards the Raiders.

Overall, an extremely hectic weekend, filled with so much goodness. We loved every moment and could not be more happy for both of our brothers. They are two wonderful men that we love so much and are so proud of all they have done on their journey towards getting their education.

Thank you Uncle A and Uncle Godfather for being a part of our lives. We are so grateful for both of you and thankful that we could share in such a wonderful time in both of your lives!

XO

Without confidence and love, there can be no true education. -St. John Bosco