Harold H. Martinez Tribute

Thursday was the worst day of my life; I just lost my dad, someone that I love so much. My dad and I talked a lot about his illness and what was to be expected. Earlier on, when we were alone, he’d say confidentially, (don’t tell your mother) BUT what do you think? I’d say dad you’re a fighter and you will beat this disease as long as you can. Towards the end he would tell me, confidentially, (don’t tell your mother) but I’m tired. During his last hospitalization he ask me to jot a few thing down. I apologize if this doesn’t make sense, but he hard a hard time talking and would paraphrase a lot and I interjected with a lot of words for him

To Harold my son – I can’t believe your so smart, me having someone so intelligent, made me so proud – good husband good father I love you

To Connie, my mijita the Corazon, (he paused to remind me that Debbie and I were his too), your smart too, but I loved that you and I always had a good time. You made me smile and laugh. I’m proud that you brought Christina into our lives. I love you

To Debbie, my advisor, you always knew what I wanted and needed to say. You hold nothing back and always told me when you didn’t agree with me.

To Gilbert- My strength – right or wrong you always listen to me and new how important I felt about things. Your loyalty and dedication to me and Able meant more to me than you can imagine.

To Rosemarie – My special angel – I appreciate that you always were on me to take care of myself. I thank you and the girls for being there for me during my illness.

My grandchildren – Strive for the stars and be respectful of your parents. They love you very much

My one and only – You are my heart and soul. My rock, My love, My best friend

My dad asked me to see the Bucket List He liked the message and wanted everyone to know that’s how he felt. So I’d like to read an excerpt from it

Difficult to understand the sum of someone’s life,
Some may say its measured by the amount of people left behind.
Some believe it can be measured in faith
Some say love
While others say you should measure your life against yours

Harold died in January, it was a Thursday in the afternoon and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. He was 70 yrs old. I was with my dad on his last day, and even now I can’t claim to understand a measure of a life. I know that when he died his eyes were closed and his heart was open and he was surrounded by all his family. I’m pretty sure he will be happy with his final resting place.

A piece of our heart is gone and will never be replaced. The phrase that we are use to saying “I’m sorry for your loss, as we know it, now doesn’t offer much. My dad left us way too early, but getting this horrible disease taught him how precious life was. As long as I’ve known my dad, he lived the life to the fullest each day. All the qualities that define him, his tenaciousness, his deep sense of loyalty to everyone in this room, his courage to know what was right and live by those values set him apart from the rest.

Were going to miss him