Veteran's Day

Veteran's day has always been pretty special to me. You see, my father served in the armed forces as a Marine during the Korean War. I grew up hearing countless stories of his days as a soldier. This was a period that defined his life and how he related to the world. Though he didn't go to combat, he worked on planes that Marine fighter pilot Ted Williams flew during his jet refresher training in Cherry Point, NC (1952).

If my father were alive today, he would be receiving a veteran's/birthday card from me. His birthday was in November and I miss picking out cards for him and letting him know how much I appreciated his guidance growing up. My children did not have the fortune of growing up with a father. Though briefly, my father filled that role for them when we lived in Puerto Rico many years ago. They were able to know him and experience his protective care. Brian and Danielle continued to visit during summer breaks and they have fond memories of their abuelo - especially when they went to the corner store to eat ice cream with him.

It's because of my experience with my father that I have a special appreciation for fathers that stay involved in their children's lives. My parents eventually divorced when I was a teen, but he didn't divorce his five children. He was always there for us.

This past August, he passed away and at his funeral I came to discover that he was the "bachelor uncle" that took his brother's kids out and in some cases taught some how to drive. He stepped in during the time his brother was in active duty.

As we celebrate today our long lost heroes, I take this time to also acknowledge the hero in my life - Ernesto Gerena Alonzo.



Funeral de Ernesto Gerena from Digna on Vimeo.