06/23/2026
I did not post anything on Father’s Day, but my father has been in my heart throughout this Father’s Day week.
This was my dad—a very humble and quiet man. He could not read or write, but he was known by everyone as an exceptionally hard worker. Anyone who knew him would always say, “Es bien trabajador—bien trabajador.”
We lived on a ranch called El Tahuachal in Matamoros. I was his only son, his pride and joy. He was not a man who openly showed much affection, but I always knew that he loved me.
My father gave me advice that has remained with me throughout my life. He told me never to take off my wedding ring, always to provide for my family, and never to associate with bad company. He often said, “Un desgraciado desgracia al otro,” meaning that one person going down the wrong path can lead another person down that same path.
The photograph on the left shows my father working as a custodian for BISD at Cummings Middle School. The other photograph was taken on my wedding day, as I helped him put on his tie. He loved my wife, Adela Kowalski Garza, and that day he told me to be a good husband to her. He gave me his blessing.
Adela and I have now been married for almost 36 years, and not one day have I ever taken off my wedding ring.
Dad, I have never forgotten your words, your example, or the sacrifices you made for our family. You may have been a quiet man, but the lessons you taught me have spoken loudly throughout my entire life. I carry you with me always.
