Goodbye Daddy – I love you.
This morning, I got a call that the I had been trying to prepare myself for… My father, Vincent Reynoso – “Taco” to anyone who know him – passed away at 5:44AM in the Birmingham, AL VA Hospital. He was 60 years old.
I would say that he “lost his battle” with pancreatic cancer, but to be honest, by the time they found the cancer, there wasn’t much time to even begin the fight. Instead, I believe that he saw the light he told me recently that he was looking forward to following on to the part of his journey.
Nakia - Safe Inside (Dad's favorite song from Water To Wine. Written by Michael Fracasso)
Me and Daddy - Circa 1976
I am very fortunate that over the last few months dad and I grew closer than we had ever been before. I learned so much from him while he was with us, but most importantly, I learned that everyone has a right to be happy and that you should always give others the respect that you would want for yourself.
Me and Daddy - Summer 2009
For those of you who knew him, you know that dad was a friend to everyone and always had a way of keeping the room laughing. Dad spent his last day here on earth doing what he loved most… Watching Alabama football with his family.
My brother Diego is currently making arrangements with Burt Funeral Home in Fort Payne, Alabama for dad’s funeral. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 27th beginning at 3pm. The funeral begins at 1pm on Wednesday October 28th. Dad was very specific about not wanting a lot of flowers at the service – he asked that if anyone planned on sending flowers to please send only red & white carnations.
Nakia, I am so blessed to have such a tender hearted and authentic friend like you. For eight years, and counting, you have been there for me and never once judged me or my situation. I thank you so much for that and I want you to know I am here for you. Anything you need of me just ask and I will continue to hold good thoughts for you and your precious family. I love you!
Hugs
Nakia,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. I want you to know that I deeply value your friendship and love you. You have been there for me countless times, and I cherish the 5+ years of friendship we have shared.
While I can only imagine what you’re going through right now, I want you to know that I’m with you in spirit. My heart goes out to you and your family. Please let me know if there’s anything at all that you need.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Love,
Bo
Hello Son, I am with you in my heart and spirit now and pray for yours and Roberts safety as you travel to us here in Alabama. I love you two. Love Moma
Nakia, Diego, and family:
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. I know something of what you are going through, as I lost my father in 2003 after his battle with Emphysema and CPOD. I first met you, Nakia, when working at Pizza Hut years and years ago. You were still a kid in school, I believe. I first met Diego and Vincent, or “Taco”, years later after I had come home from the service and got a job where they worked at Ferguson’s. Later, when I worked at the paper in Rainsville your dad would often come by with pictures or information about what the VFW was doing.
The whole time I knew him, “Taco” was nothing if not a gentleman. He was respectful of others, he was normally very good humored, and I thought a great deal of him. The world will seem to me to have a bit less light with his passing.
My own experiences taught me that as difficult as this time in life can be, words are often just words. Often people said things to me when my dad passed away that I either do not remember now or did not want to hear at the time. I wanted to be left to my own grief. People said things like “it will get better.” I never found that to be true…I only found that it gets easier to bear as time goes on. Not better. Easier.
If you want to talk, at any time, I’m there for you. I grieve with you. I’m truly sorry for your loss.
David Lusk
Nakia,
Sorry to hear of your loss. This entry is very nice, and so glad to hear of your getting closer. It brought a tear to my eye.
God bless him. And your family.
Michael
Nakia,
I just heard about this a few minutes ago from a co-worker. My thoughts go out to you and Robert. Be safe going to Alabama.
Harry
Nakia,
I don’t think you know me but I’ve worked with Robert for years. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys and your family.
Ryan
Peace, my brother!
Nakia and everyone touched by this loss, I send love and strength.
It is clear to all who know Nakia as well as I do that he has found the best of his family and life experiences coupled with his own inner beleifs and hard work and made himself a man his father was proud of. That is what our lives are about.
much love,
Roggie