Here’s to our legacies … Let me share a few of mine!

This month I am celebrating the legacy of my ancestors. The immigration of my Mom’s parents from Portugal to the San Francisco Bay area. The hard work Mom put in to help our family flourish here.

Mom was a wise woman, gone now 20+ years, who shared life lessons with my brother, sister, and me. My favorite saying of Mom’s is, “There are some things you must learn for yourself”.

She often said this with a twinkle in her eye. Her sense of humor, contagious laugh and deep faith are my fondest memories.

Another wise woman in my life is my Mother-In-Law Barbara, who is, thankfully, still with us at 91 years of age. She is a loving and generous woman that understands my teasing, silly humor.

Just like my family immigrated from another country, lucky for me, my in-laws immigrated to California from Wisconsin; where they raised my wife. She and I met in high school and have been married going on 39 years. I celebrate the legacy of their good decision every day!

My celebration, this time of year, is to remember those people who mean the most to me. Especially those no longer with us on Planet Earth.

We hope you remember us, going from autumn into winter, if you need any help with projects around your home.

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How do you celebrate October’s holidays and your legacy?

October always reminds me of the holiday, Day of the Dead. The holiday is a time to remember our ancestors who are not with us physically. The time to celebrate their legacy.

I remember my dad coming to all my high school football games. He cheered and whistled, clearly louder than most anyone there. Dad and I continued celebrating football together, going to Raiders football games. We were at the ‘Heidi Game’ in 1968; where the Raiders scored two touch downs in the last 50-seconds to win over the New York Jets. Dad was hoarse for a whole week.

I remember sharing sports with my father-in-law, as well. Name the sport and he watched, attended, or listened to it. Two of his favorites were the Green Bay Packers and the Oakland A’s. Whether on television or radio, you can be sure he watched or listened.

I learned from my father-in-law, not only the enjoyment of a ballpark, but savoring the best hot dogs in the area at Casper’s Hayward. He thoroughly enjoyed a good hot dog piled high with sauerkraut.

Stay tuned for my next October newsletter, due out the 24th, where I will share more memories and family legacies … in honor of the Day of the Dead (Oct 31 through Nov 2).

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