Seeing his weathered face now as we do,
We are reminded of a man who has survived life as best as he could.
He has withstood all; including the test of time.
However, he was once, and still is, a force to be reckoned with, let it be understood.
Now, his young great-grandkids probably do not know that their Great-grandpa had it hard growing up.
He was the seventh of eleven children, born in 1929, when times were tough.
Yet he kept his sense of humor; still growing up strong;
To survive life with all it’s blessings, which we can be sure of.
My Brothers and I can all still vividly recall so many experiences
Growing up with him in our younger days.
Dad was always the optimistic one; laughing, and joking with us.
Even when it came time for him to be the disciplinarian, he would take us into a locked bathroom, and pretend to be spanking us; to put a big front for Mom; who would later jump on both of us.
Lovingly referred to as “El Senor”, for he just turned eighty,
He is overjoyed when his Great-Grandkids come to visit each day.
Most likely, they think of him as someone who has always been old.
However, to my Mom, Brothers and I, the man will always be much younger,
Just like we recall growing up with him.
He is our Dad, our most beautiful oak, “Nuestro Oro” (our Gold).
Happy Birthday, Dad! We love you!
Robert Collazo, 02/11/09
