A dad remembered with love

My dad, Manuel Alfonso Rios, came to Dallas in 1978 from Cuahtemhoc, Chihuahua, Mexico. He worked 5-6 days a week, 8-16 hours a day as a carpenter and I never knew him to call-in sick or take of work 'just cause'; he had a damned good work-ethic.

He was a man of few words, but he always showed up and he loved with his presence. I was a clumsy kid growing up, always dropping or breaking things, and he never made me feel bad or stupid - I'll always remember and appreciate his patience.

One time, we got a smoker so we could cook a chicken - we go through all this effort of getting the equipment, wood, chicken, and have to monitor the temp., only to realize it was gonna take ~4hrs! We did NOT know that going in. He joked that we could've gone to Williams Chicken, got a 2-piece and a pepper, ate, and watched a movie by the time it was done cooking. He could laugh at anything, at any situation, and bring lightness & humor without taking anything too seriously - I can still picture his laugh vividly.

Towards the end, our calls got longer, and he told me old stories. He told me to love my wife, hug my kids, and take care of my family. I wish I asked him more questions, I wish I called him more - had I known the last time I talked to him would've been the last time, I would've never hung-up the phone. I'm grateful for every minute I had with him, that he loved us, cherished us, manifested good thoughts towards us, and protected us.

I don't know that I'll ever measure up to him, but I'll spend the rest of my life trying. I'll end with Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd, I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows, he leads me besides peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right-paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I won't be afraid because you're close besides me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely, your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me, all the days of my life, and I'll live in the house of the Lord forever.

I believe my dad's soul is resting, and God knows he's earned it. I'll never forget him.