A Living Legacy Continued

I am showing my age by starting off that I have several saved voicemails on my cell phone. Most of them are non-descript. A call from my father to give him a call back. Or a call from my Titi Vida “just to say hello and I love you.” These cherished family members are no longer physically here but I think about them every day.

I think about their stories, their lives, and multitude of experiences. Some stories were told over and over again like a good joke or a life lesson to be learned. Others only unfold after that person is gone and the family and friends recall something of that person that brings them back.

I often think about the stories that got left on the cutting room floor of retelling.

My Uncle Tony was the embodiment of warmth, care, and continuing to serve his country. I remember my Uncle as someone with a smile that glowed. I lost him when I was 8 ½ years old back in 1989 and still remember his smile and the constant twinkle in his eye 35 years later.

Pride Live Co-Founder Diana Rodriguez and I are cousins and just as she wrote about Uncle Tony in last month’s Pride Live newsletter, I take great pride in writing to all of you about him today. I think about his life and story, particularly as my children color in stars with his name for the Wall of Veterans at School in celebration of Veteran’s Day this month. I think about how much he had left to tell this world before he was taken by HIV/AIDS far too soon.

I look forward to his story continuing at the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center (SNMVC) and inspiring others. Along with many others people’s stories to be told. When my Dad, Uncle Tony’s oldest brother, passed away I inherited Uncle Tony’s dog tags that he wore during his service in Vietnam.  They will join the American flag that was laid over his coffin at his funeral as a permanent exhibit at the SNMVC. Much like Uncle Tony, the SNMVC for me is a continued commitment to service, heart, and justice.