On January 19, 2003 I lost the best man I knew...my dad...my daddy. At the age of 65 my dad "went home"...he was diagnosed with cancer (Mesothelioma) & he refused any type of treatment.
So on a brighter note: I was daddy's little buddy...my brothers both say I was spoiled...maybe I was...I still am.
Everywhere my dad went...I went. First thing that comes to mind is going to get milk at the drive-thru dairy (looked like a barn with a cow on top)...he'd always let me get yellow "Zingers". I loved it...I'd sit right next to him and eat my special treat.
I'm such a tomboy, I think my dad had a lot to do with it. My mom wanted me in dresses and curls...when I hung with dad...I wore jeans, t-shirt and a baseball cap. Another fun thing we did together was go to Dodger games, my dad was a huge fan. I've always like sports...especially football and baseball. My dad coached my two older brothers in baseball...after they stopped playing, he continued to coach. My dad was known by so many people...we'd walk into Ralph's, and I hear "Mr. Martinez how are you"...I heard it from the former players he coached to the elderly people from the church we attended. I loved it...I always thought my dad was the coolest, because so many people knew him and loved him.
My dad had a back injury when I was about 5, so he was out of work...this was an advantage for me...for us. He was able to chaperon most of my school outings. He was always in the bleachers watching my softball games...track meets...etc. My dad was at every important event in my life...like when John proposed...my wedding...when we bought our 1st house...he even helped us paint that house. But there are a few moments my dad missed...the birth of all three of my children...I know he's watching over them...my two boys speak of my dad all the time, even though they've never met.
I truly miss my dad...I was there when my dad died in my mom's arms...I cry almost everyday. I know that he's "home" with God...dad was a godly man...I'm sure I will write about him again soon. I can go on forever...but I think I'll stop now. Oh I almost forgot, my dad's name is Carlos or Charlie (like my little boy).
Dad I miss you so much...I can't wait to see you again (every time I see a hummingbird I think of you)...I miss your huge smile...your laughter...I miss your corny jokes...I miss your hugs...I miss you saying "what it is homie"...I miss you telling me that you love me. I love you dad and always will.
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