Fathers Day 2022

 With Father's Day upon us I have been reflecting on the men in my life that have inspired me, helped me grow through my life up to where I am today. I have been blessed with not only an amazing father who supports me, and who has given me the world, but I have also been blessed with grandfathers and uncles who have shown me the same love as my father has while growing up. Neither of my grandfather's are alive today but both have had something to do with who I am as an adult. Same applies to my uncles, especially my uncles on my mother's side. 

So, last week you read about my educational PRIDE moments between my son and I, now you will learn just who I learned them from.. Well growing up I spent many summer breaks taking day trips to San Francisco with my Uncle Rudy. We would drive up and down mission district, and visit Golden Gate Park and the museum. Attend our annual Giants game of course. Like how could we not stop to see the unstoppable Barry Bonds. He would teach me how to get lost so he could find his next wife (eye roll). He also taught me the meaning behind all the beautiful rainbow flags flying in the sea breeze on the streets of Castro district. Not only was he teaching me life long lessons that I now teach my children, but most of all he gave me the memories I will never lose. 

Now that was just one of my uncles. My other uncle, well we had a love hate relationship. Not many people know but this but we spent many hours talking about our dreams of writing successful blogs, or coming up with new recipies. We would also just talk crap back and forth to each other. He was so supportive of my education that when he was writing for a newspaper in Tacoma, WA he got me a job shadow with one of his colleagues who was a photographer. He even attended my High School graduation and wrote me a song. For a big part of my life he was there for me. I graduate college this week and I can only hope he is looking down from heaven and is proud of who I am today. I am pretty sure as a journalist he would be because I write this newsletter every week for you guys. 

With all these father figures I have had in my life I have luckily not gone with out. However, it takes a true village. No matter if it is your biological father, step father, uncle or grandpa, if they shaped the person you are today then they are worthy of a Happy Father's Day. These individuals may not have children but maybe you were the closest they got to be a father. 

I hope this Father's day is joyful, cheerful and fun for all you father figures out there. You all deserve to be celebrated just as well as us mother's.