Dad

This is my tenth Father's Day without my Dad, Floyd Glica (see left).  It's unfathomable to think I haven't been able to call him on this day for a decade.  I miss him so much, but I think I've learned that when I simply think of him, and perhaps pray for him, I can have him near me in spirit. 

My birth father, Robert Arroyo, thankfully, is still living.  I value the fact that I can still hear his voice when I call, if only on an answering machine sometimes.  As I get older and learn more about him, I am finding that this genuinely good man has passed on some good genes to me for which I am eternally grateful. 

There are things I've learned in life and things that came to me naturally.  It is in this statement that I find both my fathers.  They are equally important to me and, interestingly enough, make it easier to see where each of these qualities originate. 

From my Glica dad, I grew to learn professionalism, an ability to be a loving grandfather, to speak my mind, and to love the arts of all kinds.  I've learned that patience is incredibly important, especially for one who has had to learn that lesson the hard way. 

From my Arroyo dad (see right), I gained the ability to be a vivid storyteller, think logically, have an innate love of family, and stay strong, no matter what I face.  I've recognized that my first dad gave me many gifts that I wouldn't have realized came from him had I not been blessed with time to spend with him. 

They are both Dads in different ways, certainly, but Dads nonetheless. 

In my own fatherhood, I have seen both of my fathers appear.  Dad (Floyd) had very high expectations of what my brother, David, and I should accomplish in life.  He created an environment in which learning was something to cherish.  Living in a manner that included new adventures, open eyes, and awe was something he modeled in a million ways throughout our 40 years together before his death in 1999.  I made sure my children were reared with the same love of creation.

Dad (Bob) knew that to respect his sons' freedom of choice and intelligence would give them wings to fly later in life.  When I hear him talk to my brothers, Eric, Mark, and Darren, who grew up with him, I can see that they trust themselves partly because they had that freedom assured by my father and their mother.  He also lovingly accepted them, and me for that matter, for who we are and as we are, even when his sons made choices that made things more difficult for themselves.  From all appearances, my children are flying on their own wings from the generations of genetic trust in our progeny I received from my father of birth.

So, thank you, Fathers, for my life and my Life.  You have both contributed so much to make me who I am.  From both of you, in your own ways, I have gained the confidence to claim my life, be responsible for that life, and celebrate every moment of it.  Without you, I wouldn't be the man I am today.  Some days, I'm sure you may question whether I am giving you credit or blame, but I'd like to think it is more credit.  God knows I honor you both in my heart and in my spirit for the gifts you've brought to my life.

Zadowolony Ojciec Dzień, Dad.  Feliz Día de los Padres, Dad.  I love you both very much.

Your son,

James