Florencio N Louieann Lavadia
My Papa is my Hero! He made many sacrifices for his family to have a better future here in the U.S. I am very grateful for our Lord Jesus Christ for giving him 76 wonderful and awesome years. Thank you for Papa for teaching me about being smart in life and work hard. I remember you taking me to the junkyards. I would help you carry tools and take parts off the cars. I remember you teaching me that chess is like life. You have to think 5 or more steps ahead. You thought me how to be cunning and be smart about money. I remember you saying, “Here in America my son, Nothing is Free. Money doesn’t grow in trees. The difference is hard work vs. laziness. Now if you want to buy that comic book at the Flea Market, wash my car and I’ll give you $5.” I remember when I turned 16, I saved up $125 for driving school. And then when I got my driver license, he helped me buy my first car to call my own. A 1980 Mazda 626, 5 spd, cracked windshield, bad suspensions and bald tires for $400. What a Deal! I didn’t care as long as it was a stick and a car I can call my own. I remember Papa love American cars so much that he owned a 1970 Green Chevy Nova SS and a 1970 Mustang that he let me use during the end of my Junior year in High School. That was Bad Ass. During college, he told me that he can’t afford to send me to college so he said to apply for Financial aid and I’ll help you in every way I can. I remember that you were very proud of me when I received my B.S in Computer Animation at Cogswell College. I will always remember you Papa when you danced your heart out at my wedding with Louie Ann. And when I became a Master Mason because of you. How Masonry will teach me to be a better man. You gave me your Mason ring and necklace. I will always remember the time when I took you for a walk in your wheel chair because you love being outdoors and miss the sun. We would have ice cream afterwards and Mama would get mad. I will always remember our conversations in your room when you couldn’t walk anymore and loss both legs. I will always remember the times in the hospital you telling your jokes to the nurses and CNA. And those days when you couldn’t talk anymore because of all the medications you were taking. I will always remember holding your hand keeping it warm and you moving your thumb. I love you very much Papa and thank you for being a great father. I know we will meet again in Heaven.