Dad's VA Memorial was great, and reminded me (again) of how lucky we are to have been part of a greater military family in the US.  Yes-- it demands a lot from its servicemen and women, and their families.  But, it's also taken such care of our family.  Through the Navy, Dad found a path to citizenship, an opportunity to be recognized and grow as a leader, and so many lasting friendships.  The men who Dad trusted most in the Navy are the men we call our uncles today; their wives and children are our 'ohana, too.  They have watched us grow, listened to us cry over the loss of our parents, have stuffed food in our fridges and mouths when we couldn't find the strength to remember to eat-- without us ever having to ask.  Later, the military helped pay for our educations, helped Mom and Dad get into their second home; it saved us from ever having to worry about our parents' healthcare in their older age.  What else?  It subsidized our wedding welcome reception, the food we put on our table (yay, Commissary!), the fuel we put in our cars (yay, NEX diesel!), our family movie nights (yay, North Island!) ... and how we were able to honor Dad's service after his death.  To this day, I cry when I see ships come in for homecoming.  And I know I'll never forget how the other uniformed military at Holy Cross-- people who we'd never met-- stood at salute for Dad's honors, in solidarity and brotherhood. 

I'm so grateful.  If the VA or the Navy ever, ever ask me to help in any way, I will.  In fact, I promise myself that I will find a way to help give back, and honor the US military in case they never get around to asking me :)

Last week when I picked up the mail there was a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs.  It was an invitation addressed to Mom, from the VA San Diego Healthcare System, to attend a Memorial Service and Reception to honor Dad, and other veterans that passed away during the months of October through January at the VA Hospital.  When I opened up that letter, I thought to myself... "that's right, this letter was addressed specifically to the wife of Vicente... my Mom Edith, and that's what the VA has on record!" 

It's been three months since Dad re-united with Mom, and each day I reflect about all the great and wonderful times I had with him.  When I think of all those memories, I can't help but smile and laugh.  Mom, Evelyn, and I had the best of Dad.  When I think of Mom and Dad's 32 year marriage, I think of what a strong and loving couple they were.  Always looking out for each other.  Such an authentic, real, unconditional love that can't compare to anything.  I remember how every Friday they used to go to the North Island Navy Base and watch all the new movies for only a buck!  Or when they would take Nala to Old Town and watch her run up the hill at Heritage Park; or when they'd walk around Downtown San Diego and visit their favorite Perfumeria - where they both got customized scents...gosh the list can go on and on.  Recently I came across some old letters that Dad wrote to Mom while he was away at sea.  When I read those letters I can see Dad's strong commitment to Mom and our family... always thanking Mom for staying strong, and making sure Evelyn and I are taken care of, telling her how much he missed her and loved her.  Although I'm sad that Dad and Mom are not physically here, I smile and feel a warmth in my heart knowing that they are creating new adventures in the after-life.