Daddy taught me to value relationships over material things,even though we always had nice things,I knew he loved us more than anything in the world.I don't know where to start to tell how wonderful he was.
I am named Linda because it means pretty in Spanish.My mom and dad tried for ten years to have children and had just about given up when they found out my mom was pregnant.I am the only girl(my dad had two sons by his first marriage and I have a younger brother.)
My grandmother said that when I was born my dad took one look at me and said'que linda!',how pretty!, and that is what they decided to name me.He even wrote a poem about me!
He taught me to dance and ride a horse.He taught me to speak his language and to love my Latina heritage.He encouraged me to get an education and payed for my piano lessons.I learned the value of work and appreciating all the things we were blessed with.He took pride in his work and was never a slacker.He loved this country and all it had afforded him.he served in the Navy during world warII and although he remembered Cuba foundly,he would defend the USA to the death.I remember one time at a Dodgers game a man in front of us made a slur on the flag and refused to stand up during the national anthem and Daddy let him know what he thought.The man got up right quick!
He loved my mother and showed her the utmost respect and expected no less from my brother and I.Once ,in 8th grade I defied my mother over a pair of new Sunday shoes.She said I couldn't wear them to school and I told her I was wearing them anyway.I slammed the door behind me and looked back as I crossed the street to the bus stop.I saw her looking at me sadly and I can't describe the sinking feeling I had as I knew she was going to tell Daddy.I dreaded the consequences all day.When the bus pulled up to the stop that afternoon,I knew I was in so much trouble!There was Daddy's van parked in front of the house!I tried to figure a way to escape my fate,but I had to go home.I wasn't allowed to run the neighborhood and do as I pleased like a lot of my friends, and my parents were respected and knew all my friends families anyway.There was no where to go but home and face the music.
As I walked in the front door,I tried to make a bee-line to my room,but he was sitting at the dinig table and said,'mija,necesito hablar contigo en serios'.Daughter,I need to talk with you seriously.
He told me what my mother told him and asked if it were true.Well of course it was and I said yes.He then removed his glasses and in English said"If you ever show your mother such disrespect again,those braces you have will not be needed-are we clear?"Then he REPEATED it in Spanish,to emphasize his point.My father NEVER spanked me or layed a hand on me-he never had too.But I did get grounded-2 weeks and he kept his word.I learned.
I worked every summer at his dry-cleaners and had chores at home.But we also had so many priveledges and lots of fun.We went to Disneyland every year and to Florida and other place too. We had horses and a boat and a built-in pool.We took music lessons and played sports.We had a beautiful house and nice cars.My dad and mom gave block parties on holidays for all the kids in our neighborhood and took them with us camping and fishing.We went to Mexico every other summer to see my Cuban uncles and brought back neat gifts for all our friends.Whenever someone needed help my dad always came thru.He made homemade kites and go-carts for us and taught us to play stick-ball.
He didn't do any of this for appearances or to keep up with the Jones.He used to say,"Yo SOY the Joneses!',I AM the Joneses!and laugh.He worked hard and did it for my mom and us because he grew up so poor in the barrio in Ybor city that he wanted us to have a good life.All the things he never had.
When my mom died I watched my dad hurt beyond anything I could ever imagine.Yet still he cared for my brother and I and ran the business and handled all the things alone because that was what the man did.He took us to church and we still went to Florida.He tried to keep things as normal as he could.
But kids get older and this kid started to rebel.I left home at 17 and lived with two friends a few streets away.I was going to school and working too. I worked at a nursing home and had to be there at 6 am.I had no car and I had to walk about a mile in the dark by myself.One morning I noticed a car following me at a distance and I started to walk faster.As I entered the door of the hospital,I looked out and saw the car go by slowly.It was my dad!I didn't talk to him at that time,but he followed me every morning for months!Till I went to afternoons.He wanted me to be safe.
Over the years I hurt him and thought I knew better,but thru everything he forgave without recrimination and always had my back.When he was dying the last thing he said to me was'never never forget that I love you and I am just a prayer away'.He was such an example of the Father's love and grace that it has helped me to always have a growing and living relationship with God the Father.
Daddy I love you so much and miss you,but I know families are eternal and I will be with you again one day.Happy Father's Day from your mija,Linda.
