Reflections of Life:
Yesterday was my parents 72nd Wedding Anniversary. Words will never express how much they have meant to us kids. The Blessings have always been there for us and have continued now that they are 92 and 91.
Although I do not remember this day, I recall seeing this photo when I was very young. It has always stood out for a couple reasons. My view of the water must have been fascinating to me then as most bodies of water still fascinate me today. But the other reason was since I was probably about 2-3 years old, she didn’t trust me to not climb through the railing, so she kept her hand on my head to safeguard me. I mean, was I really going to fall?
My parents offered me the best of many worlds in my view. Dad and Mom were empathic, kind and giving towards migrant workers, people from their workplaces, underserved populations, and really anyone who crossed their path. They took me to several different Spanish Churches growing up for a Sunday or Wednesday night service. Church, baseball, then softball, Church, Friday night game night playing Trouble and Monopoly. Did I mention Church?
They believe that the people were the Church, that the ministries were more important than positions or titles. And if they believed there was a better way to do things, they stepped in to do the work or even to help show the way. They always said if there was a way to make someone’s life a little easier, then you do it. That simple.
My Dad and I would help setup the chairs at the Cristo Rey Community Center in the early 70’s until he decided the Church needed a Choir at 9:00am. He recruited people and well, so did I and found a couple friends to help me. When I was 10, my Dad recruited me to be the altar boy to replace a gentleman who was in his 80’s. Did he ask me if that was what I wanted to do? Uh, no. I in turn, after a year of putting on a robe, I would recruit two friends to take my place. You can’t utilize three altar boys in one Mass right? So, I had to retire from the altar boy business at the age of 11. Sad day huh? Several of us kids then started the Youth Club back in July 1976. If my parents could help start a Choir, why not a youth group?
At the age of 19, the Church Fish Fry was being shutdown due to it losing money for a couple years. As much as I argued that the Fish Fry helps bring people into the Church, the Church Council voted it down. My Dad and I argued about it that night as he wanted me to let it go. I was determined but was powerless. A few days later my Dad spoke to the Priest and we had a fish fry again. Led by, guess who? Him and I. I helped for three years, we pulled a profit and attendance went up for the Stations of the Cross which is right after the Fish Fry as we promoted them together.
My parents were instrumental to the Wednesday Night Prayer group which led me to move the Youth Program to Wednesdays and thus created a “Family Night”. This is turn led to the Family Nights during the summer when most programs took a break. Who came up with the idea of a short Mass and bring a plate to pass combining both young and old? My parents. Playing softball in the Churches backyard was the best!
So back to the photo and my parents. My Dad trusts my Mom with everything. My mom took no chances as she was overprotective with me. To this day too. They allowed me to dream, debate ways a community could grow and who would be impacted. They dared me to start things despite my quiet nature growing up. The love my Dad has for my mom is amazing as is her love for him. I am Blessed to see it daily.
They have lived and led with their heart, soul and beliefs and at the same time always made sure their presence was felt in my life. My Mom’s protective hand, my Dad’s wisdom, I would say, impact everything I do. They gave me real life examples through the Church on how to reach people and become a fisher of men.
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad. I love you. I am proud to be your Son.
