Happy 82nd birthday to my dad, Eduardo. Like him, I am always talking politics, or making an argument about something, both boldly and loudly—many times with necessary laughs. He’s a storyteller, sharing stories from the past, mostly about growing up in the US as a young kid, missing Mexico, or telling stories that have stood the test of time, many of them challenging—and other times slightly exaggerated. Like him, I can belt out a ranchera if the moment arises, but for him every moment arises. Like him, we like our alone time, we’re both stubborn, and maybe tell the same story over and over again and over again. Like him I find solace in the outdoors, and while for me it’s on a bike, or hiking in the comfort of expensive shoes, albeit for recreation and for exercise—for my dad it’s farming and the tractor, which came from necessity and sacrifice, and eventually sanctuary. My dad could have been a mathematician and an engineer if the opportunity would have arose. But his eyesight prevented further investment in his education. Despite all of that, he’s an amazing problem solver, and his ability to build something with his two hardworking hands, even at his age—is nothing but a superpower. If I rarely share about my apa, it’s because you see his spirit in me all the time. His resilience, his passion, his loyalty, his determination (his mood swings). It’s all here with me. Feliz cumpleaños, apa ❤️ If you see Eduardo today, wish him the best for another year around the sun. And on this 29,930th day on this Tierra—have him tell you a story or two. Because he certainly has them. ❤️ #LakeArthur #newmexico #newmexicolife #newmexicotrue #newmexicosur (at Lake Arthur, New Mexico) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw4gVrXH-It/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=z0imy6a5flyy
