MEXICAN-AMERICAN PARATROOPERS ASSOCIATION

Not -- "How did he die?" But --- How did he live?"

Not -- "What did he gain?" But -- "What did he give?"

     These are the units to measure the worth

      Of a man  as a man, regardless of birth.

Not -- "What was his station?" But -- "Had he a heart?"

Not -- "How did he play his God-given part?"

       Was he ready with a word  of good cheer,

       To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?

Not -- "What was his church?" Nor-- "What was his creed?"

But -- "Had he befriended those really in need?"

Not -- "What did the sketch in the newspaper say?"

But -- "How many were sorry when he passed away?"

My Tata lived  an extraordinary life, and was an amazing man.

I had always looked forward to the stories he would tell. I will miss his quick wit and the way he could make me laugh. He gave to so many and had a huge heart. Not only did he give to his family and friends, but also to the community by helping those in need.

Today, let us celebrate his life. He will be missed terribly, but I know that he was called to heaven, because his mission in life was complete.