05/03/13: “Fatherly Values"

Recently I posted a picture on Facebook for #tbt. It was a picture of my dad holding me in his arms. We were at my grandmother’s house (or as my cousins and I called it “Ma’s house) and the picture was taken in 1981. I was a newborn, no older than 1 and one of the few pictures that I have together with my dad to this day. I treasured every moment that I spent with him. My father passed away on November 2nd, 1999. I had recently graduated from high school and had merely began embarking on my college life and adulthood – so I thought… but I am not here today to talk to you about my life. I am here to discuss the one value of life that was very significant to me and that was instilled in me by my dad. This value is so important to my life and it is only fitting that I share with you.

Hard working:
My father had his own company that he started in 1970. It was called “Proveedora Mexicana de Nuevo Laredo.” He was so proud of his store. He would tell me stories of how he began his business by selling lemons out of a bicycle eventually evolving to plumbing fixtures, then eventually with the help of Dr. Esteban Alejo beginning his business in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. At the pinnacle of this business, my father expanded his business to be the number 1 hardware store in Nuevo Laredo with multiple business ventures with the City. He expanded his business to Monterrey Mexico where he opened “Tuberias y Conneciones del Noreste.” He was successful – but his success did not come by opportunity. His success was a direct effect of his hard work and passion in his business. Hi endless work hours, battles with the traffic crossing from the US to MX every day, his dedication to always be the man to open at 7 AM and last to leave and close at 7 PM. His constant hard work to pursue new business, innovate his business to not stay behind with new technologies or innovations led him to his success. At the time (during his life), I did not understand why he always had to be at work. I would constantly ask myself, why doesn’t he just come home early; why can’t he make it to my games; is his business that important? The answers to all those questions are now very loud and clear and comprehendible. He was a hardworking man for his family. He provided us with everything we had and did not want us to lack anything. He worked for us, for me, for his family.

As 13 years have passed since his death, I only wish to be as hard working and dedicated as my dad was during his time. His unrelenting pursuit of excellence is astonishing. He taught me never to be satisfied, never to become complacent and always to take the necessary, measured risk to achieve reward. He taught me that one must “Seize the moment!” Opportunity may only come once and you must not let it by. He taught me that no matter what anyone says, you control your own destiny. He taught me that anything is achievable once you set your mind towards achieving it!

So my message to you is:
Life will not be easy; Life is hard, tough and at times uncertain; But through hard work and dedication – YOU can achieve anything!

Final Quote:
“Nunca te des por vencido, nunca!”
- Emilio Villarreal