Brenda wanted her Dad's viewing and rosary to be held on Saturday, but the mortuary was fully booked. It would have been great since Saturday was her birthday, but on Sunday, June 21, 2009 is just as significant for it's Father's Day. It seems awkward, but to my understanding , we hold such an event to celebrate the life of our dearly departed.
Anyhow, Sunday morning was gloomy, but the sun peeked in and out as the day progressed and totally prevailed in mid-afternoon. We arrived at the mortuary at noontime eventhough viewing doesn't start until 2 pm. It was an excellent idea. Indeed, we had the place privately to ourselves so we really cried it out before the guest arrived, similar to the preparations of a mixed martial arts fighter prior to entering the octagon of an Ultimate Fighting Championship. I'm ugly as it is and even uglier when I cry and I'm glad no one saw it.
Many gathered at the Pierce Brothers Mortuary in San Gabriel, CA to honor and celebrate his life. His childhood friends and relatives from New Mexico and Arizona were here. My son James and my daughter Carole and most of my relatives were also here. Ohgie, Angelo, Glenn, Lito, Gudy and Daisy, and Rene's sons Mark and Peter all of Pinoy Riders USA dropped by and Dennis Banez of the Juan Dela Cruisers also dropped by.
Thank you so much for taking the time-out away from your families on Father's Day to come to the mortuary. Your presence could not have come at a better time. Brenda and I really enjoyed seeing your friendly faces there. It is gestures like yours which helped give us the strength and courage to endure the heartaches we suffer. We are deeply touched to receive the generous and thoughtful gifts...prayers and sympathies. We truly appreciate your thoughfulness and we shall forever be grateful. I have never felt so honored to have you as my friends and it's your friendship that has helped and will get us through this difficult time.
Afterwards, we gathered at the Flores residence for a repast. We employed the service of a famous caterer specializing in chicken, carnitas, and carne asada Tacos. This guy is fantastic. He trailered in his own kitchen, eight large folding tables and one hundred folding chairs. It was quite a set up and I must say, "he really knows his Tacos." They were tasty! It's the best tacos I ever had....well, not quite as good as mine, but they're good Tacos.
On Monday, we got up at around 7 am in preparation for the funeral. The weather was perfect...temperature in the mid 80s with no traces of clouds in sight. The mass starts at 10 am, but we had to be in the church at around 9 am. The hearse was already there when we arrived. I had a flashback of a funeral Dad and I attended and Dad jokingly told me to take a good look at my last ride someday. The hearse we saw was a Lincoln Continental and the one he's on now is a Cadillac Deville, which was his favorite brand. He will have a long ride to Riverside National Cemetery on it.
Todays attendance was not as many as yesterday. It seems, only family, relatives, and dearest friends were here, probably because it's a working day. Surprisingly, Lito of Pinoy Riders USA was here once more. He has taken the day off to attend and shoot videos of the funeral. Thank you so much. I'm at your disposal when you move to Palmdale, so let me know!
I was one of the pallbearer and Dad, together with the coffin was pretty heavy. I was worried for the two elders at each end of the other end at the feet area who are in their mid 70s who may trip over and hurt themselves. Then, I was told that the head area where I was at is a lot more heavier. Gee whiz! No wonder I was having a hard time.
The mass was over at 11 am. We opted out of motorcycle escort since it was about 60 miles to Riverside National Cemetery and after giving out directions and intructions where to meet, off we went.
All made it safe and sound to staging area number 5 where we waited to 1 pm for further instructions. I heard they bury 30+ veterans a day in here. Dad served in the US Navy during the Korean War. Burial for a veteran and a spouse at a national cemetery is one of the benefits earned when you served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
It was exactly 1 pm when a representative of the Department of Defense arrived. As veteran myself, I was expecting punctuality and it was. She led us to the committal shelter where Senobio Flores received a military funeral honors ceremony, including folding and presenting the United States burial flag to Mom, and the playing of Taps. It was a sight to see. I have now an insight of how my funeral will be.
After we said our final good byes to Dad, off we went to another repast. This time, it was at Hometown Buffet at the Moreno Valley Mall. We were so hungry, we ate everything. It's for certain...Hometown lost out from this group. We are forever grateful to all who felt our loss and for us. Thank you. He shall always be in our hearts.