Roland A. Rodriguez

Daddy, this is the second Christmas without you, but you're always in my heart---always with me---even though I am so far away from home. You are truly my angel.

This was your favorite holiday. I'll never forget the joy I felt at Christmastime throughout my childhood, shopping for the tree, my little hand in yours, as we made our way through the makeshift forest next to the supermarket. Oftentimes it was slim pickins in South Texas, but you always managed to find the perfect...

Daddy, my brave soldier, you fought the good fight and won. You made it off the Bridge at Remagen but many did not---not off that bridge or through the fields and forests and towns; not off the sands or seas or safely through the air to friendly ground. Yes, you survived, but this---the ultimate sacrifice of your fellow servicemen and women---you never let me forget. So today---Veterans Day, 11/11/11---I honor you and all who fought and continue to fight the good fight, never forgetting that...

Spring Training has begun, Daddy! I hope your Astros do better this year! (Ja, Ja, I know what you're thinking ;-) Here is a familiar image from your visits to NYC, and our many visits to the ballpark. Remember, how we froze that one March in the late-90s? It was miserably cold and rainy, but we had fun anyway! We always had so much fun at the games, whether it was seeing the Yanks or the Mets. I loved bringing you hot dogs, peanuts, pretzels, and the occasional beer. This photo was taken in...

It has been two months, Daddy, since you left us in body, but not in spirit. As it was before, and as it is now, not a day goes by where you are not in my thoughts, my prayers, and within my heart, where you shall ever remain so very deeply ensconced. I miss you so, so much, Daddy, but you walk the streets of Berlin with me everyday, and in this, I find great comfort.

I love you!

Miriam

I met you many years ago and wish I had known you better. What I know now is that you are so loved. And all I imagine for you is an ocean of love on the other side of the light. I'm watching the sky tonight, blind with tears yet seeing radiance, and flooded with the strength that hope brings. Rest in peace, brightest star.

The Native American
A Spiritual Tradition

Each new day for all begins in the East with the rising of Father Sun, the source of life and power, dawn of wisdom,undying light of the world, eternity, and it is a new spiritual beginning day that we seek.

Grandfather, Mysterious One,
We search for you along this
Great Red Road you have set us on.
Sky Father, Tunkashila,
We thank you for this world.
We thank you for our own existence.
We ask...

To the entire Rodriguez Family. I want to express my sincere condolences to all of you. I have all of you in my prayers daily. May God Bless you and your families.

Henry Martinez