Here we are in June! In fact, we are half way through June already! So much happens in June and it all starts with school and college Graduations, Flag Day, Father’s Day, June Brides, June Gloom, and the official first day of summer comes on the 21st.

Perhaps it is because we have so much to reflect to as the years have come and keep rolling before us! This Sunday we will be celebrating Father’s Day. There is not a single day that goes by that I don’t think of my daddy. I try to keep his memory alive by talking to our kids about how my daddy came to the United States as a very young boy back in the early 1900’s. Yes, he was an alien.

My grandma came here to escape persecution. They were Catholic. Not a good thing to be in those days in Mexico. Catholic Priests were hung if they were caught saying mass. They would secretly hold underground masses.

Cardinal John O’Connor, (may he rest in peace) whom we knew when he was a young Chaplain in the early 60’s while stationed in Quantico, Virginia, confirmed the story on the underground masses.

We would laugh about having masses at home, calling them underground masses. Meanwhile back to daddy, yes, he did become an American Citizen, was a 4F during World War2 because of a back injury. But it didn’t stop him from serving his country.

He worked in a Defense Plant called “Avion Corporation“, they build parts for planes, and worked on plane assembling. Because of his mechanical skills, he invented working tools that would be easy for the “Rosie Riveters” to handle, making them proficient in a field that was not known to women.

My daddy was a genius when it came to repairing any thing that needed repair. He even rewound motors.

Daddy died at an early age of 43 from a cerebral hemorrhage. I, like Katie Wersel, our granddaughter, was 12½ years old. Never got to say goodbye, left only with his memory engraved in my heart for ever. I have yet to go to my daddy’s grave.

However, I did find a way to communicate with him. Since he has always been in my heart, it’s easy. So many times I talk to him about our children, and our life.

But most important about the father of my children. He always said to me “marry a man that loves you more than you love him.” Perhaps he was telling me that I had to love me first, so I could be a better wife and mother. As the years went by, and as I grew to became a grown woman, it all made sense.

For the father of my children, the love of my life, I have a special steak marinade that I created just for him!

TEQUILA MARINADE: 1 tablespoon Oriental sesame oil, 3 cloves garlic finely minced, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons finely minced FRESH Ginger, ½ cup finely diced green onions, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2/3 cups TEQUILA. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and add to a couple of steaks, your choice, then place them in a zip lock baggie and marinate at least 3 hours, (overnight best) then throw them on the grill!

A father’s love and the example they set before their children has a tremendous influence in their lives. Take it from one who knows!

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to my husband and to all the Fathers in the world, you are to be hugged, loved, with lots of kisses and congratulated on this special day. Especially with a nice meal to celebrate and to salute life!