We love you Dad- FOREVER

Rodolfo Abrio- circa 1960s

The saying on how one will never really know how much you will miss someone until they are gone......happens to be so true. Last Saturday,  my dad returned to Heavenly Father.  It was his wish for him to be home to spend his last remaining days, and his wish came to pass 2 days after he returned home from the Hospital to receive Hospice care.  The last couple months was a roller coaster, but knowing he was home brought our family comfort...in addition to the strength from prayers and faith in Jesus Christ.

This is my father when he was in his early 20s.  What a dashing young man he was...don't you think? Behind such good looks, my father had evolved to wear many hats- Doting Husband, Father and Grandfather, to other roles such as Architect, golfer, gardener & handyman. He enjoyed singing (He sounds like Andy Williams...but my brother Alan always corrects this and said that Andy Williams sounds like Dad) He even enjoyed playing the Harmonica.  He was artistic, impeccable and witty.  He was well liked and looked upon as a mentor.  It was a blessing to see how much he has impacted the community and those who he came to know.  He has inspired many in his line of work, and I'm so proud of him.  I miss him deeply, and although I do have my moments of grief....I know he is no longer suffering...and He is our Angel now.  Although it may be just coincidence, I did feel he was helping me and our family as we were preparing for his funeral services.  I needed to put together a collage and went shopping for the materials last Tuesday the 19th.  On the overhead music- a certain song came on (unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers)....It triggered a moment of reminiscing my Dad & mom singing Karaoke, and how much they enjoyed singing that song.  I thought to myself...ahhh, if the next song that comes up reminds me of my Father at my wedding, then I will be impressed.  The next song that came over the intercom was Unforgettable, the duet with Natalie and her father, Nat King Cole....which happened to be the song I danced with my dad at our wedding.  After gathering the necessary items to make his memory collage, I went to check out.  I was the last one to be able to make the transaction...until they had a black out.  Yes...a black out.  It was stormy that day, but with only having 1 day to get stuff done to prepare for my dad's vigil & funeral...I needed every minute....if I wasn't able to make that transaction...it would have taken more than an hour out of the time necessary to prepare (That's approx how long the black out lasted).  So...YES...I feel my dad was shopping with me that day. :)



Dad's Internment Oct 21st 2010





My dad had a beautiful funeral service yesterday, October 21st.  So many loved ones and friends came to pay their respects.  It was amazing to see how many lives that were touched by my Father. I was priviledged to deliver his Eulogy on behalf of our family......and it gave me a chance to dote on my dad too.  During his internment, we were able to hear one of his favorite songs being sung....Moon River.  That was very touching for family. 

I want to share the last part of my Eulogy with you 2 blog readers out there.  I had spelled out the word FAMILY and explained the meaning behind each letter.  I want to share with you the meaning behind the letter "Y":

Y is for Yumao (pronounced Yumah-OH). This is a verb in Tagalog that means “to Depart or to pass on”. Last Saturday, Oct 16th at 9:25 p.m., my dad’s 68 year journey here on this earth had ended. Despite all his suffering in the last few months, his “ending” to his story here on earth was perfectly scripted. As we approached closer to his passing, when he came home from the hospital for Hospice care, One by one, extended family and close friends trickled in to show their love for my dad and for us. My dad definitely did not die alone. He died in his castle surrounded by love of.........”FAMILY”

FAMILY was definitely one of the most important things for my dad.


It didn’t matter if you were immediate or extended


It didn’t matter if you lived near....or Far


He loved each of his family members.


What a blessing it had been for him, to send him off to be with our Heavenly Father, encompassed and united with the love of FAMILY.

One thing that was touching about his passing, is that my brother Alan had held his Iphone to my dad's ear, playing the video of his granddaughter Emily saying " I love you Lolo".  At that moment, my dad opened his eyes one last time, and took his last breath.  He left his mortal journey....with feeling so much love.

Fathers Day, June 2010. Dad & Emily on the day of her Blessing



I'm so grateful for being blessed with an awesome Father.  I'm also grateful to spend time with him during his last days here on this earth...and to be at his side to hold his hand when he passed to his next journey. We know Dad is with god now...and we will meet with him again.  WE LOVE YOU DAD! FOREVER