Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Vincent and his family merged with our family over 36 years ago, and he became my Step-father in November 1977. Even back then, I knew it was not easy for Vincent to become a stepfather of three and that he would indeed face challenges and additional responsibilities. However, due to Vincent’s outgoing and gregarious nature, our families soon became intertwined. Vincent was one of the most caring individuals I have ever met. I have seen him through the eyes of a adolescent, young woman, adult, to mid-life adulthood. I am extremely thankful for every day we had with him. I am grateful for the guidance and wisdom he has given me throughout the years. Most of which, have been passed down to my child, and my grandchildren. There was a point when I realized Vincent took us (Dolores’ 3 children) out of choice and love. On Father’s Day, June 21, 2009, I called Vincent and it was difficult for him to speak, I said, Vincent, don’t talk. I just called to talk to you, you don’t need to talk to me. I then told him what was going on with Christine and the great-grandkids Keegan, Kaylee & Anthony. I let him know I went to my mom’s gravesite and put flowers on it, as he did every year since she passed away. I told him he needed to get better because I received something he needed to look at. He then sort of laughed. I told him Happy Father’s Day and that I loved him. There have been many homes, moves, states, countries, a lot of cuts, scrapes, bruises, tears, births, marriages, divorces, deaths, 9 Grandchildren, and 8 Great-children, and now it is the end of an era. There will never be another like him. My heart aches and my tears flow for indeed my dad, Vincent, is also gone.
