Father's Day

I can't believe it's been over 5 years since my dad passed away. Crazy how time flies. Today, the entire fam clan met up for brunch at this Chinese buffet in South City. The food was alright but it was the company that mattered most. There were 22 of us all together. We ate and ate and ate. I had this stuffed mushroom and I swear if you were to close your eyes and eat it, you'd think you were grubbing on some mushroom and cheese pizza from Round Tables. My cousin, Jenny agreed! My other cousin, G.J. said it was more like Pizza Hut - LMAO. They were mocking me because I was actually closing my eyes and visualizing pizza. Brunch was definitely fun. Afterwards, we headed over the Skylawn Cemetery to visit my father dearest (as well as Mama, Tatay, and Tito Ross). We did a quick prayer but I forgot how to recite the Apostles Creed - Oops! My cousins noticed and were laughing at me. I guess it was pretty obvious since I placed my hand over my mouth pretending I was actually saying something. So moded! But in my defense, the church revised it! Another funny thing that happened - Tito Steve dosed off and fell asleep during the rosary. What's new, right? Straight hilarious! All in all, it was nice to enjoy the company of the entire family especially since there is a huge part missing - my dad's presence. I wish I can see him and just say Happy Father's day and greet him fat ass hug. I wish I can witness him meet his two granddaughters for the first time. My biggest fear is that I'll forget the memories we shared. Let's hope that day never comes. I remember when he'd make his strawberry banana smoothies and yummy cantaloupe juice when he had his sugar cravings. I remember in third grade, he surprised my sister and I with Goldilocks birthday cakes at school. I remember him taking us to 7-11 on Gellert Blvd to get fresh glazed donuts or apple danishes in the morning. I remember our weekly trips to the Bay Meadows horse races. I remember him sharing his favorite candies with us: Mentos, Rolos, Starbursts, and Ludden's cough drops (LOL!). I remember when he accidentally burnt me w/his TruGreen cigarette (don't worry, it wasn't child abuse. He fell asleep sitting up and I was seated right next to him). I remember when he'd wander around the house shamelessly with his white B.V.D. briefs. I remember being outside with him watching the decals of I.M.S. Carpet Cleaning get placed onto that big black van. I remember how he always had a Sara Lee pound cake stashed in the freezer. I remember our trips to Payumo Restaurant located in the Food Court next to Merrill's on 3rd and Mission Street in San Francisco (which sadly became a California Pizza Kitchen restaurant chain). I remember taking him to eat his favorite sashimi and to his first San Francisco Giants game during his last year alive. Most of all, I remember how he always made me laugh. Dad - We all miss you. I hope God is taking good care of you. Can't wait to see you again. I'll have so much to share with you! LOVE YOU!