April 25, 2010

• Happy 71st Birthday Dad!

  On this 25th day of April 2010, I write this open letter to my Father, Herminio F. Guanzon in celebration of his 71st Birthday.  For most it’s just another day. For myself, this day will always have special meaning. It’s on this day in 1939, my father Hermin aka Ermin was born in the Philippines. It’s also the day that in 1991, Lynette and I were legally married in Los Angeles. It was a small and humble ceremony between two kids in love. Two people in over their heads and who had no idea what was in store for them in the future. 

  So this day is quite special to at least my father, my mother, my wife and myself.  I hope that future generations of my family especially beyond my son, Austin, take a moment to reflect on this day.  Time has a way of removing the unnecessary details of a person. History can either be cruel or kind. It is up to the historian to choose his words carefully. Here I attempt to capture all that I respect and love about the man who is my father.  He will be many things to many people.  If you feel that you are fortunate (as I do) or worse, feel that things in your life are terrible, remember that things could not have been so easy for a young man in his twenties recently immigrated from the Philippines to the US and Canada in the late 1960′s (Circa 1968?). His risk, his sacrifice and his sense of adventure in the face of the unknown paved the way for where ever you find yourself today. Some how my father Ermin succeeded in a foreign country and crazy city like NYC.  He proposed and married my mother Flor Guanzon on June 20th, 1970.  Nine months later on March 28th, 1971, I was born. Seven years later, my brother Derrick Joseph was born on April 6th, 1978. If it were not for this day on April 25th, 1939 when Ermin was born, you would not be reading this small tribute to him. For this I am thankful.  He created an amazing family.  He taught me to appreciate the logic of chess, music, art, architecture, calligraphy, technology, business, and the world through travel. It’s these small things that he influenced when I was young that make the biggest impact when I take a moment to reflect on his contribution to my life. Again for this, I’m thankful… 

  Happy Birthday Dad! You are a good and great man! Your greatness and legacy will continue with your grandsons Austin, Samuel, and the soon to be born Benjamin. Thank you for being a part of all of our lives! 

  With much love, 
  Your Son James       

  • 6:10 PM
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