On June 28th 2016, my father passed away. That was three months ago.
Facing this reality has been a challenge. A true, honest to God, challenge.
My dad was in the hospital for almost a month being treated initially for his kidneys, which then evolved to a stroke, which then evolved to a form of cancer in the brain that affects one in a million.
My mom, sister, and I lived in that hospital for what I consider to be the year of June. Day and night, we took turns to make sure that one of us stayed with him to encourage and meet his every need.
Out of some sort of miracle, my dad’s sister who had never been to the US, was able to attain a passport, visa, and a flight to Santa Barbara in the span of less than a week. She stayed with us and by her brother’s side in his final days.
I’d never imagined losing my dad so early in life. When I thought about the future, I would see him in it. He’d be there for my college graduations. He’d be there for the day I may have been lucky enough to be married. He’d be alive and well to meet his grandchildren.
He’d be there for eventful moments in my sister’s life.
He’d grow old with my mother.
But now, that won’t be so.
He and I had our differences for sure. Nonetheless, even through dark times of confusion, failure, and animosity; we always forgave and built each other up.
There will never be another person I’d call my father, brother, and best friend all in one.
While he left his family here, he also left his church and people he had been teaching for over 20 years here in Santa Barbara.
He left the responsibility of this church to a handful. And this handful has had to grow rapidly both in mind and spirit. It hasn’t been easy and likely won’t become easy anytime soon for these people. I have faith that they will work hard in fulfilling my dad’s and ultimately, God’s vision for the ministry.
My faith has been tested countless times over the past few years. I can’t say that my relationship with Jesus has been great. But what I can say, is that the days of doubting him are over.
I can see very clearly that there is a path that I must explore. Though at face value I don’t want it; I’ll follow, obey, and fulfill the conclusion of the pull that’s been put in my heart.
I’ve been blessed with people that care not only for me, but also for my family, and for that I am incredibly thankful for.
To the people of Hechos 4:11, thank you. I consider you all as family and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for our ministry. We have a lot of work to do, so let’s continue to encourage each other.
To the people of Faith Baptist, thank you. You guys took us in and gave us the opportunity to reach the hispanic community through your church at a forgiving cost. Thank you for considering us as well as having us for worship in the morning. I’m having fun helping out with the music!
To the people of Calvary Chapel, thank you. You guys are like my extended family in many ways, thank you for letting us have my dad’s service in your church. And thank you for fueling my dad’s work when he was there. He loved serving at Calvary.
To the people of City Hall and City TV, thank you. Through all of the hard times, you guys were there to support and help out my dad. Working at City TV was a joy for him. I’ll never forget and stop being thankful for letting him work, even when it was clear that he was in a very poor condition to do so. He loved the team at City TV very, very much.
To the people who came visit my dad at Cottage Hospital, thank you. Though he was weak and not in a position to communicate clearly, there was always a twinkle in his eyes when he saw someone familiar walk in to say hi. He prayed for every single one of you and loved you incredibly.
To the team at Cottage Hospital, thank you. I’ll never forget your kindness. I still remember many of your names and faces, you guys are heroes. Thank you so, so much for everything.
To the people who worried and considered my family, thank you. You were there with us, fed us, cried and laughed with us. Thank you for being so generous.
To the people who worried about me, thank you. Sorry for being distant, I’ll get better at it. I promise. Thank you for your calls and messages. You guys are awesome.
To my family, I love you so much.
Papa, gracias por tu sonrisa. Por ser amable con nosotros en tus últimos días. Por bromear conmigo a pesar de tu dolor. Por escuchar y darme consejo hasta cuándo ya no pudiste hablar. A pesar de los gritos, las peleas, las faltas; todavía quiero ser como tú. Eres mi héroe y mi mejor amigo. Te amo mucho.
vivarian 