Today I noticed on my unsticky post-it that I only have 20 more working days left. I looked around my desk and thought of all my personal items that I need to start packing up to take home and then a picture of my dad caught my eye. A whirlwind of memories flooded my brain.
I thought about how lucky I was to be so fortunate to have a dad like him. He was truly the greatest dad. When my mom left, he stayed. I imagine it wasn’t easy but he did the best he could and I have always appreciated his strength and love.
So many memories of times we had had. I could still remember the way he laughed so hard he would grab his belly which, always occurred after he scared the living daylights out of me in our long dark hallway.
I remembered how he used to nestle his arm around me at church when I was little…making me feel like I was in a cocoon. I always felt cozy and warm and would fall asleep…of course!
Oh my goodness, my dad loved swap meets! Once we put a bunch of stuff/junk together from his garage and headed to the swap meet early in the morning so he could sell it…the funniest thing and, I think we laughed years later about it but, he had this part that he wanted to sell, I don’t even think I can describe it, it was just one wheel. It was missing the other wheel and I thought it was trash. He was convinced it would sell and I was kind of annoyed that he didn’t just throw it away…it was the first thing he sold. I can still see his face as we laughed because I think he was just as shocked as I was.
He loved watching Westerns and I loved just being in the same room with him so I would pretend to watch them too, just with my eyes closed.
He loved tinkering with stuff in the garage. If I threw away a broken hair dryer he would find it and try to fix it.
If he was in his bedroom watching TV and I was in my bedroom he would call me, “Mija, let’s have ice cream”.
My dad commuted to work and I commuted to school, sometimes we would catch up to each other on the freeway. Anytime this happened we would always get off the freeway in our old town of Chino and go to one of our favorite restaurants, Mi Ranchito. We always ordered the enchilada style burrito (red sauce…very important).
I remember in Junior High I told a friend about a pair of shoes I wanted and the next week I showed up to school with the shoes. I remember my friend said, “Man, you get whatever you want”. That has always stuck with me because it made me realize that my dad didn’t have a lot but I never went without, not even without a fancy pair of double velcro strap Reebok’s.
My dad and I were not just father and daughter but best friends. We enjoyed being around each other and just hanging out. We talked to each other about everything and my life is better because he was my father.
I feel like he’s missed so many of my huge accomplishments, graduating from college, moving out on my own, meeting Kev, my wedding, and now baby Thom Thom. I really wish my dad was here for Thomas’s birth. I know he will be there I just wish I’d be able to hug him over it and I’ll miss never getting to see him snuggle Thomas. I’m comforted by the fact that Kev has such a beautiful family and I know they will never let Thomas feel he is missing anyone’s hugs and one day when he’s old enough I’ll tell him all about his Grandpa Guillermo who he is named after.
He had the best smile
My first birthday was spent in Mexico City
The picture I had on my desk, He was always happy! Looking forward to his next camping trip.
I miss you Pappe.
Wedding Pictures!
I love the post!!! He sounds like a great Dad…..I wish we could have met him. =) If he had anything to do with the way your turned out, I am sure he was a great man! <3
And you are right about the hugs. You might have to actually tell us to knock it off, because we plan on hugging that baby a lot. ha ha
Oh, and that is a BIG cake!!!!!
Thanks Tar,
He was super great! I wish I could have shared him with you guys as well. I’m glad I have the memories to share.
And hug away! I want him spoiled by love! He’s kicking right now…he must know I’m writing his Tia Tar Tar and wants his hugs already.
Love you!
Lupe my eyes are welling up with tears for you! I wish that we could have known him. I think that Thom-Thom is so lucky to have that heritage, and I know you will be passing all that love down to the next generation. Thank you for posting such beautiful memories. I love you Lupe!
Wow what a tribute to a great man, sounds like he had the true heart of a father. You are blessed to have had this experience, however the loss of such a loving dad is going to be more deeply felt. Our children had both sets of grandparents growing up, however Ron’s parents are now both gone. Our daughter Kristen took all of the photo’s that we inherited from Ron’s parents and put them together in albums for us, it was quite an undertaking. I can’t tell you how many times we go back and look at those pictures. You will have to fill your son Thomas with your pictures and stories it will keep your Pappe alive for him.
Praying God’s blessing on you, Kevin and Thomas!
Mary
Thanks for taking me down memory lane with you, and yes I have tears and a runny nose now thanks! lol I can remember being tickled until we cried and then came the ever famous “domme pesito” (sorry if I spelled it wrong)! I know exactly how you feel though I wish my mom and grandma were here to see Jarod. I think he would love my grandma as much as I did!
Lu, you would have loved talking to my dad in Spanish and he would have loved you!
Mary, what a great idea about the pictures!!! I have a ton of pictures of him that I could put together in a little book for Thomas! That would be great!!!
Diane, I love that you knew my dad! He always said you were his other daughter!
Thanks for always being in my life and being someone I can talk to. Oh my goodness, your grandma was the best! I remember hanging out at your house so much when I was little! I can’t believe it! I remember playing outside until we heard my dad’s whistle! Remember that! hahaha And we all used to go running home! hahaha Man, I love these memories!
How funny that I asked you yesterday about your dad. I didn’t know you had posted this.
Yes, the baby will get plenty of hugs. Everyone has to get in line behind me. I might share, but it will be hard.
I love this! Can I hear more?
By the way, I concur on the cake. I want a cake like that for my birthday…
Thinking of you and Kevin…and your little one.
Oh Lupe I have tears in my eyes. I love you so much and plan on hugging the heck outta little Thom Thom…I can’t wait until that day comes!
I so wish I could’ve met your dad. I bet he is so proud of you and the family you chose to marry into
. I want to hear more about him and crazy swap meet stories! I can imagine you rolling your eyes “dad, this piece of junk is never going to sell, just throw it away.”
I love you lulu! Give your belly a kiss for me
He was so sweet to me always! You truly had a wonderful relationship with your pop. Some of us can only dream of that kind of relationship.
Love you pal.
~Sal