My Papa…

by Jacque Gonzales
74 views

Today would have been my father Jack’s birthday. He passed away on September 15th, 1994 just before his 70th birthday. My father was a wonderful Doctor (and there are a few of my FB friends who were delivered by him – or he delivered their children!). He delivered nearly 3,000 babies! He had 3 families where he delivered 3 Generations!!! If someone couldn’t afford medical care or had no insurance – he’d always treat them anyway – many people would barter and bring him food or a crocheted blanket as thanks to him.

He was instrumental in pushing for more research and the prevention of Skin Cancer. He taught me how to look at spots on the skin – AND to go up to a stranger and say “Excuse me, have you had that checked by your doctor?” Ever since he passed – when I see someone with a suspicious mole – I can almost hear him telling me “Hurry up and ask them it could save their life!” My father taught me to explain that if any spot or mole has: Changed color, size, texture or grown a new mole to get it checked out right away! I have to honest – every person I’ve asked since 1994 has always been grateful that I asked!

My father served in the Navy. He also spent time in Vietnam as a doctor (as you can see in the black & white photos). I remember back in 1993 – while we were at a museum in Kansas City – he saw a family – and started speaking Vietnamese to the little boy (about 7 years old) who was with his parents – and the boy was shocked! Then my father chatted in Vietnamese with the parents. They were so happy talking to each other!

I was the last of kids – so I was the “baby”. I called him Papa – and he called me “Twinkie” or “Motormouth Jr.” – he was “Motormouth Sr.” and my sister Janet was “Motormouth”! So rambling on and on is in my DNA!

Oh yea, my dad won a car on “The Wheel Of Fortune” on Friday, September 13, 1985!  How do I remember it was a Friday?  He called from Los Angeles and said in a very sad voice: “Honey, don’t ever go on a game show on a Friday the 13th.”  And just as I started to feel sad for him he says: “Or you’ll win a car!”!  He won a 1986 Mazda RX-7 – and he got it in the signature dark red.

I miss him so much – and I wish he could have be here with Theresa – he’d love her so much!
It doesn’t feel like 23 years have gone by since he passed – sometimes it feel like yesterday – and other days it feels like a lifetime.

“I love you with all of my heart Papa – and I miss you even more. Please come visit me in my dreams!

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Your Twinkie”

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34 comments

Diane September 21, 2017 - 10:57 PM

Beautiful!!! Sounds like you had a very special Dad!!! Thank God for memories and pics we can hold close to our hearts forever!! I recently lost my Mom and it’s what gets me through!!

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Jacque September 22, 2017 - 9:00 PM

Thank you Diane! I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. Keep her memory close. Bless you Diane. ❤️

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Sue September 21, 2017 - 7:27 AM

Thank you for sharing. It was a beautiful tribute to your Dad. He lives in your heart.always.

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Jacque September 21, 2017 - 7:52 PM

Thank you Sue!!!

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Alison September 21, 2017 - 12:37 AM

Your Papa is walking through life with you daily and watching over you and your beautiful Theresa! God bless you! Hugs and love to you!

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Jacque September 21, 2017 - 4:06 AM

Awwwww!!! Thank you Alison!!! Sending Blessings to you! 💜

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Stacy McDowell September 20, 2017 - 11:17 PM

Jacque, that was a beautiful tribute to your dad! I always say that my daddy was the first man I ever loved! I miss my daddy, too! Thank you for sharing your dad with us 💜

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Jacque September 21, 2017 - 12:12 AM

Awwww so true Stacy! We can hope they’re watching over us together!!! 🙂

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Elizabeth Woodard September 20, 2017 - 10:17 PM

Jacque, your Papa could have been a movie star, very handsome man! My heart goes out to you, my Dad passed over 27 yrs ago, at the age of 68. I miss him everyday, he was my rock. Blessings Dear.

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Jacque September 21, 2017 - 12:11 AM

Thank you Elizabeth! My dad would be beaming from that compliment! It’s so hard to lose anyone – and it’s part of life – but so hard to move past. Blessings to you Elizabeth! ❤️

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Ellen McFadden September 20, 2017 - 9:00 PM

That was a beautiful, touching tribute to your Papa. I’m sure he is smiling down on you from a Heaven. May his memory continue to be a blessing for you. Thank you for sharing this with us. ❤️

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Jacque September 20, 2017 - 9:32 PM

Thank you Ellen!!!

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Peg September 20, 2017 - 7:55 PM

You are one lucky girl, Jacque, to have him for a dad. Too bad it wasn’t longer; he made such a contribution to society.

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Jacque September 20, 2017 - 8:00 PM

Thank you Peg! 🙂

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Deanna September 20, 2017 - 7:51 PM

What a lovely blog. I lost my father a little over 3 years ago. He was 70. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. I had twin boys 2 years ago and it makes me sad that he never met them. My dad was larger than life, and I feel he is still around watching over us.

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Jacque September 20, 2017 - 7:59 PM

So sorry Deanna. It certainly doesn’t get any easier with time. I know the feeling of wishing your dad was here to see your boys — and I wish my dad were here to see Theresa — but like you said – I feel he is here. ❤️

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Devonnee Villegas September 20, 2017 - 7:23 PM

You are so lucky to have a father like him. Just remember, he is with you everyday, in your heart, in your mind and he will never leave you!. I lost my beloved Grandma on April 15, 2000. Not a day goes by that I do not think of her and ask her if I am doing right. She answers in small ways. Theresa will come to know him through you and your sister.

Love to you, Jacque!
Devonnee

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Jacque September 20, 2017 - 7:41 PM

Thank you Devonnee!

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Cathleen A. Chapman September 20, 2017 - 7:18 PM

Ty Jacque for sharing your father’s story; he was truly a loving & generous man. Now I know where some of your same traits come from! What an amazing legacy he left behind. I’m so grateful that u started your blog; u have always been a favorite of mine-genuine, authentic, humorous, kind & thoughtful. Blessings to u & your family-

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Jacque September 20, 2017 - 7:42 PM

Thank you so much Cathleen!!! You made me smile!!! ❤️

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Marianne Lamberts September 20, 2017 - 7:13 PM

I’m sorry for your loss, Jacque! May he Rest In Peace!

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Jacque September 20, 2017 - 7:40 PM

❤️ Marianne

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Laura Jager September 20, 2017 - 7:01 PM

You have such wonderful memories of your father. He sounded like a good man! My father died in 2001 and I miss him every day. I do dream of him frequently. It’s always bittersweet.

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Jacque September 20, 2017 - 7:36 PM

Hugs Laura ❤️

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Sharon Ellis September 20, 2017 - 6:17 PM

Jacque, Thanks so much for sharing. Your dad was a a very handsome man. My grandmother called her father papa. The Dr. that delivered me also delivered my mother, her sister and my brother. Both my brother and I were born in my great grandparents home. I later grew up and became a nurse and was very blessed to have been able to work with him until he died.
Like your father the Dr. that delivered me also bartered.Many of his patients gave him fresh eggs, cured hams,fresh vegetables and even moonshine. Those were certainly different times.I can tell your dad was a very special man and Dr.and you were very blessed to have such a wonderful father in your life. Jacque, again thank you for sharing.

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Jacque September 20, 2017 - 6:23 PM

Thank you Sharon. What special memories you have!!! My dad called his nurses his “Girls”! 🙂 Growing up I couldn’t understand why my dad wouldn’t be able to deliver my baby when I had one! 🤣 Bartering certainly made them doctors of a different era!!!

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Jane May September 20, 2017 - 6:16 PM

Loved your tribute to your dad. He looked like a kind and caring man – a “Doc Welby”. No matter how long are parents are gone we miss them, but thank God for memories.

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Jacque September 20, 2017 - 6:20 PM

Thanks Jane 🙂

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Ginny September 20, 2017 - 5:56 PM

I’m very sad for your loss but I also know he’s in a wonderful place. May your wonderful memories help you feel his nearness.

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Jacque September 20, 2017 - 5:59 PM

Thank you Ginny. ❤️

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Marianne Sgrillo September 20, 2017 - 5:46 PM

I miss mine too it does seem like yesterday and also a lifetime….be GRATEFUL you have such WONDERFUL memories……

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Jacque September 20, 2017 - 5:48 PM

I am. 🙂

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Denise Kitzen September 20, 2017 - 5:44 PM

beautiful pics! Live with all of the memories…

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Jacque September 20, 2017 - 5:48 PM

Absolutely.

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