Happy Birthday, Mike

Cloudy this morning. Seems fitting for you today. Its your birthday and I want to let you know you are remembered. Only met you once and there was a sadness about it. The look on your face and I remember. Looking back I didn’t really notice then, but I do now. Hard to keep a straight face with all the emotions inside. I know.

You look like Kevin.  He’s an athlete like you. Football player. Spoke to one your mates. He said at half time you would change uniforms to perform during the band. The Arvin alumni band has your photos stream on. Your girlfriend, I assume, is a blond. Reminds me of Amanda. Similar tastes, I guess. Most of my friends were blonds, too.

Don’t know what you had to go through as you were growing up. From the awards I have of you, you were something. Wrestler, football player, drum major. I can see your Honor roll letters. Outstanding Student. Academic Honor Roll 1982. You danced too. You were truly an Alpha.

Spoke to one your mates. He said that if you someone got out of line, you were not afraid to get in their faces. Reminds me of Kevin. Kevin would have the Ultimate Warrior painted on his face when he competed. Not knowing you personally, I can see that. Kevin and I aren’t as musical as you are.  Kevin can dance. Dad was one dancer, too. When I was at Sig Ep parties, I would do my thing.

You probably know this already, but I visited you. A few days before your Halloween. Left some candy for you and one of your neighbors. Sorry it took so long. It took some time to find you. Had to walk up and down each plaque to find you. There was no directory available. Found you I did. I promise to be back before the month is up. Wanted to go today on your birthday, but just wasn’t in the stars. Supposed to snow and rain something fierce today. News has been reporting it. Its cloudy and the weather reporters may be right this time.

Called the school and the counselor remembers you. You must have made quite impression to foster a memory like that. I’m not surprised though. 

Last time I remember speaking about you was when I was AVC Student Body President.  Went to a get together and somehow a lady mentioned your name. She knew of you. Don’t know how or in what context, but it was you. Guess, I wasn’t  ready. Sorry. 

That accident. . .I don’t know how, but I can hear Dad saying, “Why? Why? Why?” He was in the hospital hallway. I know this, but I've never been there. Never went to funeral. Never went to you at the hospital. I was in junior high then and we barely knew each other. Sorry. Wasn't invited. I would have gone. I swear.

The trucker turned in and the rest. . .I’m sorry it happened. I would liked to have known you.

I remember that LA Express T Shirt you gave me. Wore it a few times. USFL, Steve Young. Thank you by the way.

It was a surprise to learn you have half-brother. I am graduating Sage Jr High and then to discover that I have an older brother. Can’t say that I was too happy. Maybe it was the time. Moving from Joshua Hills to a tougher part of the city. Maybe it was Rochelle passing. Maybe it was because I was mad at Dad. I was. Blamed him for many things. Some deserved. Some not. Maybe it was just puberty. Whatever it was, it was no excuse.

Took some pictures of the high school. Also went by the field you played on. Arvin is not a big town. It is farming land. Tiny main street. Not much for big box retail stores. It is a true farm city from what I gathered.  I can still see the statue of the Little Caesar on the building. This was much different city than Los Angeles. Don’t know how Dad got up here, but I will have to ask him when I get the chance. 

Finally saw his funeral. Had it for years and finally watched it. Saw some of our relatives. Minnie and Larry. A few others. There were guards and a procession. I was planning in on taking it to the cemetery and watching it with you.

There was a lady there. Not sure who she is. Don’t really want to know. I am betting it was Dad’s lady friend at the time. Last time I saw Dad, it was at the house before we moved. It was tough. He left and I remember I didn’t want him to go. It would be the last time I would see him. He sent me a text when I was at Garden Grove. It was after a close out. He wanted something and I couldn’t and would send it. It was minor thing and I was hurt and angry and just ready to close the door on things.

I was stupid. He tried and well, it is over now. I was troubled by things that Dad did. Won’t get into it, but I was angry. I have forgiven. Wish I did sooner. People make mistakes and try to fix things. Sometimes these windows close sooner than we expected. My stuff with Em is that way. 

Learned of a funny connection between her and I. Let’s just say, ‘It’s a Small World and God has a plan.”

I digress. I spoke to the counselor and she said she would have stuff ready for me. I can look at yearbooks at the school. Hope to get this done before the New Year gets here. I plan to hit the library there. Maybe get a traffic report on the accident. I would like to see if there were any articles of you in the newspaper. This will take a couple of visits. Perhaps go to the hospital where you stayed. I would really like to get to know you.

Any ways, you are remembered, Happy Birthday, Brother. I love you.

Most Memorable Family Vacation Happened At A Rest Stop

Homeward bound, we were on the last legs of our two week, multi-state, multi-country road trip. Mom, Dad, Kevin, Jason, “Nanay” ,“Tatay” and I were ready for home. Driving in the van was fun, but there is such a thing as “Too much” family time. 

Saw many sights for the first time family vacation. Hoover Dam’s green angels, Las Vegas’s Bellagio Fountains, and San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. Rode on a mule in the Grand Canyon. Sailed on my first ship in British Columbia. Watched Old Faithful erupt in Yosemite. However, the most memorable moment happened at a camp rest stop. Yeah, at a Camp Rest Stop.

We decided to stretch our legs and freshen up. Readying lunch at the picnic area, we had sandwiches and sodas spread out.  Dad was napping. Mom was cooking. “Nanay” was brushing her hair. “Tatay” was soaking his teeth—dentures—in a red cup. Kids were playing.

Finishing up lunch, Dad finally woke up from his nap. A Hobo came to our table and asked for food and drink. Dad still groggy handed him a sandwich and cup to drink. A few minutes later, the Hobo started screaming and shouting at us. He kept on shouting, “Is this a joke? What is wrong with you people?”

Speechless, our jaws dropped by his reaction. We were stunned.  “Tatay” angry was so mad he forgot to put his teeth in. An act of kindness and this is how we get appreciated. Nice.

Red cup in hand it looked like the Hobo was going to throw it at us. Instead, he turned around, walked away, and threw his arms up in disgust. Red cup went flying into the trees.

“Tatay” was looking around for something. Then his face turned white. Guess, he realized why the Hobo was angry. Chasing after the Hobo, I thought, “Grandpa, my “Tatay,” was going to throw down.” Apparently, Dad accidentally gave the wrong cup. The cup he handed him was the red cup “Tatay” used to  soak his dentures. Ooops.

After half an hour searching, we found his teeth. Stuck in a tree. No one said anything on the rest of the trip. Just every twenty minutes, the whole van would erupt with laughter. Running joke, every meal next two days, we all would look into each others’ cup. Needed to check, no teeth inside the cup. Again, my most memorable moment of the vacation happened at a rest stop.

Memorial Day: I Hear You, Dad

Just finished DVD. Taking Chance. Its movie about a fallen Marine named Chance. It was a story about a Marine military analyst, played by Kevin Bacon, that volunteered to take back Chance home to his parents. It was a story about how ordinary people not knowing this fallen soldier would display acts of kindness and respect. A airline attendant bumping the escort to first class, a flight attendant giving a crucifix to the escort, the flight line standing in respect, and so on.

Memorial Day is a week away. Can’t help think of my own father. He was a Marine. He passed away too. He’s in the Philippines now. I have never seen his funeral. It has been tucked away for some time. Still haven’t watched it. Not really ready too. It has been several years and I still haven’t. My brother has a giant cross tattoo on his arm. For some time, I never knew it was my Father. 

Did not leave on good terms with my Dad and it has always bothered me. He was a smart, intelligent man. A Closer, too. A Dreamer. Passionate. Driven. Strong. Courageous. Hard-Headed, too. I get that from him. I had some issues with him that I am not ready to share. I think of him often. I pushed out of my head for awhile. Some things I needed to do. I have Forgiven him for stuff that happened, but I haven’t given him the respect I believe need to do. As a young man, I didn't see things the way he did. He was my Dad. He loved my Brother and he said somethings that were very inciteful. Looking back I wished that I listened more. He brought me places. He taught me things. 

Was angry with him for some time. I was angry at myself for not being there for him. Blamed him for stuff. Some stuff was warranted. Others not. He loved me. I know this now. I have always known. He was no saint. He had his faults. Like all of do. Myself included. 

I sense his presence now and then. He's watching over me. Thank you for giving me the freedom to me. I remember the things you have written. They still mean the world. I am proud of you, too.

Think of my half-brother Mike. Did know know until I was eleven years old. He had another son. Made some attempts to find out where he is buried. Its fallen on deaf ears. Going to push the issue soon. Just will have to do this alone.  I think it is something that needs to be done. Its not me, but I think its my Dad’s spirit that has been nudging for awhile. I get this feeling that I need to do this for my Father, our Father.

Don't know why I chose to pick up this DVD, but I did. Don't know why I decided to watch it, but I did. I believe now I know why I did these things. Thanks, Dad, I am listening.

Next Monday is Memorial Day and I believe that I need to pay a visit. Need to say, Hello to Marv and Mike. Need to say Hi to Tatay. 

Tatay watches Rochelle. Marv is with Mary at Riverside National. My father’s son is in Arvin somewhere. My father is in the PI. Never said goodbye. I am sorry for that. 

Well, to those that have stepped up in the military. Thank You. Thank you Russell, Michael Crescitelli, Ricky Christiansen, Uncle Robert Barr, Tammy’s ex, Brandon, Terri Jones. Thank you for everything.

Marv and Tatay I will visit you soon.

Dad, I love you. You are missed. I still pray for you. I will bring you with me to see Mike.

Original Tommy's; Simply the Best

Happy 64th

Tommy’s. Its her 64^th Birthday. Been forgoing the fast food kick for awhile. Fish and chicken, but today I learned it’s the birthday of the Best Hamburger Place in the Universe. It artery clogging. Terrible for your cholesterol. Probably the primary reason for obesity in Southern California. However, it must be done.

Yummm, (Drool, Slobber, Drool)

Tommy’s has been Food Channel. ABC, NBC, LA Times, and just about everywhere. It is an institution. Yellow and white tissue paper wrapper to soak up the grease from the heavenly chili. Beefsteak tomatoes slices. Quarter-sized dill pickle. Chopped onions atop a slice of a just cooked 100% ground beef—fresh, never frozen patty. Dressed in mustard  and sandwiched in fresh daily delivered buns. Just heaven on earth. http://www.originaltommys.com/

Nothing Better

There are other ingredients that can be added, like lettuce, and 1000 island dressing, but why add on perfection?

Not too many things, can compare. Sure, I like Inn-N-Out Double-Double animal style. Pink’s dogs are okay. Also, like BJ’s pizzookie, however, nothing really compares to the memories I have with the Original Tommy’s.

Stars Eat, Too

Driving to Rampart in downtown LA. Waiting in lines that surround “The Shack” two times over. (Sorry, Pinks got you beat line-wise. Food, Original Tommy's are the Lakers. Pinks you are the Clippers) Watching families in the Dodge Windstars barrel out of their van to get a dog and in soda. Minute Maid in the can. Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Orange Crush in the lying down freezer. Two areas of attack. One on the corner and the other in the back. Parking lot filled. People of note come here. Saw Lawrence Fishbourne driving his convertible corvette one night. Through the years, saw a few Dodgers and Laker players drive in and out carrying the cardboard boxes filled with chili dogs and fries.

Tamms and Brad

There were those nights driving to Roscoe on a Tommy’s run. It was those nights driving with family and friends at 1 and 2 in the morning after a late night drinking and dancing. It was meeting Tammy and Jason late at night. Driving with Brad and Rinnes on those nights with the moon roof open and night filled with Air Supply singing. It was just drive from Palmdale to the Valley. It was freedom and life.

Dad

It was times with Dad. After leaving Ambassador Hotel to get a bite. It was standing by the wall, grabbing a napkin from the side dispensers. It was enjoying the time with family and friend. Just feeling proud and happy with Hamburger delight. It was a place where no matter what happened in the world, things were going to be alright.

Times have changed. Life needed to move on. Don’t go to Tommy’s as much.  Nope, not the same regularity. 

Thank goodness. Arteries couldn't take it.

Nothing like the Original

I mean I’ve hit places like Valencia and in Van Nuys. Seen Tommy’s the Northridge Mall, but it wasn’t quite the same.  Burbank is okay. It has that city-fied field. Kind of. It became commercialized. It became trendy. It became not of the same great memories. Maybe it was me and I was going through a phase. They opened an Original Tommy’s 20 minutes from home, but if you asked which would I rather go: Rampart, Roscoe, or Rancho Vista. Rancho Vista and Roscoe, Sorry. 

Rampart hands down.

 

Danger, Will Robinson, Danger

Rancho Vista is cleaner. It’s fresher looking. It newer. Roscoe has the Budweiser brewery across the street. Rampart and Beverly, all others can't compare. There was a sense of danger being in Downtown. Black and whites rolling up.Movie stars and professional athletes. Coziness of  "The Shack" Grade School cafeteria napkins. The chest style freezers filled with Hawaiian Punch and A&W Root Beer in the can. Yes, with the sliding doors. You are so close to the food that you can reach over and flip the burger yourself. "Hamburger, Hamburger, and Cheese,"--Those words were magical to me. Staff were so close in the Shack that one can charge $20 for a lap dance.

Ambiance

However, the memory investment has to go back to the classic. 64 years at the same place. Get a free burger when you stop in and say happy birthday, Tommy's. Shack can't compare. The tiny parking lot. The waiting in lines. Standing shoulder to shoulder with rock stars and regulars. Wiping off the secret recipe chili off my face, my shirt, my shoes--Just Heaven. 

Right Company is Important

Sure, I’ve taken family and friends on Tommy’s run. It was never quite the same. If you asked me would I rather go friends and family or by myself. I think I rather go alone. It is a place special to me. It is a place where my Dad took me after a long comic convention day. It is where Tammy lived close to. It was where Brad and I sang the night away. They are not close anymore, but I miss them dearly. Tommy's is a place where I can be alone with them.

Some places are special. Churches, mission, graveyards they have an emotional investment that can’t be measured. Not comparing Tommy’s with other fast food with these sacred places. However, the Original Tommy’s has a special place in my heart.Tommy's, Thank you for being there for me and my Dad. Thanks for sharing those many magical moments. Thank you letting me remember a happier time. Happy 64th Birthday, Tommy's. Thank you for the memories.