Every year that Father's Day comes up - it's a bittersweet time. Now that I'm married - we celebrate my husband being a father. Our daughter Theresa has her daddy wrapped around her little finger - but she only uses her "power" when she wants a Popsicle or a small stuffed animal!
This year will be the 2nd Father's Day without my dear Father In Law - Jim ... and the 19th year without my father - Jack.
I called my father Papa - he called me Twinkie. Yes, I was daddy's little girl. The youngest of his 7 children.
He was a doctor in Albuquerque - the old fashioned type that still made house calls. He also would provide medical services for those who couldn't afford care or didn't have insurance - and he would often receive gifts of thanks like quilts or home made food. When I was little I loved making "rounds" with him at the hospitals and nursing homes. The patients and the nurses would light up when they saw "Dr. Jack" coming to visit! My fathers nickname was Motormouth Sr. and I'm Motormouth Jr. - so there was no shortage of conversation from either of us!
His office was my favorite place for adventure! While he'd catch up on paperwork - I'd restock the tongue depressors, cotton swabs and band-aids. I loved it! Of course I knew where my dad had the best stuff hidden in his office - in the refrigerator! That's where he kept the supply of the classic loop handle Saf-T lollipops he gave to his patients who were children. What great memories!
During his years as a doctor my father delivered over 3,000 babies into this world. Yes - over 3,000!!! He even had a few families where he delivered 3 generations!
One of the biggest impacts my father made on me and many others was about Skin Cancer. My father founded the New Mexico Skin Cancer Project in 1977. My mother and I became accustomed to my father walking up to strangers - and asking them if they had a suspicious spot on their body examined by a doctor recently. He would pull out what he called his "Spy Glass" (magnifying lens) and give them a quick examination. He'd then reach into his shirt pocket for the paper and pen he called his "Brains" to write down their information if they wanted my father to follow up with their doctor. My dad taught me at an early age the importance of sunscreen and staying of the sun. He also taught me how to take his skill of walking up to strangers with a suspicious looking spot - and encourage them to have their doctor check it out. It's funny, but when I see someone that I knew my dad would walk up to - I have this overwhelming urge to go up to them! It's like my father is sending me a message from Heaven - saying "Well, what are you waiting for - go talk to them!". He taught me to tell people to always have their skin examined by their doctor or dermatologist every year. AND - always check for any mole or freckle that: 1. Changes size 2. Changes color 3. Changes shape 4. Changes texture or 5. Grows a new mole/freckle. (Ok - go check yourself after this blog - do you promise?)
My dad was also a huge fan of "The Wheel Of Fortune" - so huge that he auditioned and became a contestant in 1985. In fact the date was Friday the 13th - September 13, 1985. How do I remember the exact date? He called from Los Angeles that night and said to me "Don't ever go on a game show on a Friday the 13th .......... or you'll win a car!!!" I screamed and twirled around in our enormous kitchen telephone cord with excitement!
My dad was my hero - and he still is. I wish more than ever he could have met my husband - and my heart aches wishing that he could have been here with his grand daughter.
But the one thing I that does put a smile on my face - knowing that in Heaven - my poppa and my father-in-law have probably not stopped talking to each other! They both loved silly, corny jokes - and with them both being Irish - they're probably enjoying a Pint together! It actually makes me laugh because the two of them were such characters!
Happy Father's Day to all the fathers and men who have impacted our lives.
Happy Father's Day to my husband - you are an amazing father!!! We love you!
Happy Father's Day to my Father-In-Law Jim in Heaven who we miss dearly.
And Happy Father's Day Papa - who I miss with all my heart just as much today just as much as I did when we lost you in 1994. I love you and I hope that I'm making you proud.
Love,
Twinkie
Jacque Gonzales
You can reach me at: