The man who was the most influential in my life was my dad, Francisco Lopez. A Mexican immigrant, 'Apa' didn't have much education, but he was astute and resourceful, having more wisdom than so many people I've met who have extended degrees in education. Apa was an intelligent man who wasn't timid around others. And, even though he might not have had the English language acquisition he would have loved to have had, it never stopped him from making friends with English speaking persons. You see, hearts have no barriers of culture or language, and Apa knew this, and made the most of it.
As a dad, Apa was such a tender man. He loved each one of his eight children in a unique way, being well acquainted with each of his children's individuality. I was the 6th of his eight kids. He lovingly called me his "India"-- which in Spanish means Indian. This is because I was the one with the dark straight hair, high cheek bones, and a sharp nose. I was also the verbal one-- argumentative since a young age. Apa often told me that I was going to grow up to be an attorney. Yet, I think that he secretly loved my insistence and questioning manner-- knowing that my strong will, channeled correctly would make me a capable adult.
My dad's love, wit, and ever present attention to me and my siblings shaped my own parenting aspirations in my life. My dad left this world on August 16, 2006 at the age of 82. I miss him everyday, and smile and laugh when I remember his jokes, observations, and witty sayings.
Me and Apa (c) 2002
Apa and family (minus picture taker- big brother Auggie) (c) 1963... I'm the one with the braids
My deepest consolation is that my father loved the Lord and served God with all his heart, soul, body and mind from the time he accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior in 1978. He's no longer bound by a wheelchair and can run and dance in heaven. I know that I will see him again, and look forward to see his smile, and look into his kind eyes. While this may be the time to remember fathers with Father's Day, I remember my dad, 'Apa' everyday of the year.
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