Day 14,816 – River Dance

The best parent’s day in 40 years.So, this man-made, “Father’s day” was the best I have ever experienced. Not only as a father but also as a son. I realize the obvious; Mothers and Fathers days are mainly for the corporations that have billions of dollars in marketing dedicated to exploiting a child’s relationship with their parents. But aside from that basic truth, I do realize that I will no longer make a difference between what day I will honor my mother or father. So For me, it is parents day. Both of the people that made me will be honored exponentially on these days because, in my particular situation, my parents are together still after close to 50 years. I cannot encapsulate the profound power and peace of mind and heart, of having a great relationship with my parents. I see sadly that many do not. It is something cosmically and existentially influential to my adult psyche and overall character. A peace fills my heart when I consider how much I adore, need, and reverence these two people who have conquered hurdles, obstacles, trials, adversity, numerous mistakes, and flaws to bring me to this place here and now. They are blameless in my eyes, because as a parent myself, I realize just how hard the struggle is to provide a positive example at all times, to show selflessness when in regards to the children made, birthed, raised, supported, and taught. Aside from performing the rudimentary job of financially supporting the physical manifestation of the child they created, they raised me with morals, standards, and held high expectations for me, as anything less was unacceptable. My parents taught me to be empathetic, honest, to be of help where ever I can be, be appreciative, to work and contribute. To be mindful of my actions and how they affect others. I was taught that I am the #1 teacher to my children but I myself am a student in life as well with much to learn. I humbly present to my parents the children I raise so they will benefit, like I, from their wisdom, and as long as they breathe I will honor and thank them. I know that I will not have my parents always, so every moment that I can call them, be with them, hug them, kiss them, I am a blessed man. They have lived longer than I, have learned more lessons than I, have overcome more obstacles than I, so I will always seek their advice, wisdom, and blessings. All of this because I know every day I have with them is a blessing from the universe. I have disappointed my parents in countless ways, countless times, yet they never stopped trying their best to positively influence their only boy despite their own imperfections. And now that I have seen life 1st hand, I know now they were exemplary parents who gave their all for their children; this job is daunting yet rewarding all at once. This is why I will keep them near to my heart and home until I can no longer, and even then, I will teach what they taught me, for MUCH of it was good and genuine. My parents weren’t perfect, but what they had was the willingness to learn, grow, evolve, mature, and examine their past with a magnifying glass. In these people, I see an example of distinguished existential maturation. I hold no grudge, ill will, or indignation for/ against my parents, and only wish to make their time with me the most fulfilling possible. I yearn for their approval because I know that life is tumultuous and can easily become unmanageable emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I am a man with faults, that is the progeny of human parents with faults. But who is perfect? Aside from my children, my parents are the nearest thing to perfection that I can imagine. They are perfect because they are aware of their shortcomings and actively work toward reconciling them. So many people I know have lost their parents, so as long as the infinite creator keeps mine with me, I will embrace and respect them as they have fought through life much longer than I. I am indeed a man and king of my home, but as far as the king and queen that I bow to, my parents hold sovereignty because I know that three generations later they have a refined approach to life that I still struggle with. I can write forever on the profound love, respect, and loyalty that I hold for these people. I beg their forgiveness for all I have done that made them question themselves and strive daily to show them that now, I too understand the importance of self-evaluation and honest self-accountability as a prerequisite to my personal growth, not only for myself but for the children I raised. The creator moves as it sees fit and then only when it sees fit (even if I don’t understand why). All things happen to teach us something that we so desperately need to learn. Mom and Pop, I will continue to be your “child”, because I will only be a “child” to you (Jose and Clara) only for so long and before I am completely on my own. For these things, I love you both so tremendously and thank the creator for every moment I spend with you. The blessing of being at peace with my parents is unexplainable in human verbiage. When I say “bendicion”, it is not a word, but a request in acknowledgment that you two still have much to teach me and I strive for your approval in most everything.I love you both until I leave this reality, and even then forever on.
~Your Baby-Boy Montemoiño~
Jose A. Montemoiño & Clara Montemoiño