In Memory of Frank S. Heraldez

Frank Heraldez

In Honor of my dad, Frank S. Heraldez, who passed away December 9, 2003.

My dad was a man of honor and one who revered respect. He was a hard-working man until five months before he died-at 83 years old! You would not have guessed his age before he got sick; he looked like a man in his 60s. He was a tall, strong man all of his life who loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. And of course, my mom, his wife.

He was diagnosed with lung lancer just 3 months before his passing and he fought the disease. When his appetite diminished, he took a supplement to keep him eating. He would also drink 3-4 cans of protein drink a day-anything he thought that would help. When it became difficult to walk, he wanted a treadmill to exercise to get his strength back.

My dad loved the holidays, to have his family together. His last effort in life was to have all of us together on Thanksgiving. He asked me to make sure everyone would be there... and we were. Two days later my dad became bedridden and just seven days after that he died. He loved us so much he held on for the last Thanksgiving, even though his body was frail.

I loved him so much. I cannot imagine life without my dad but, because he showed me strength, I will live my life as I saw him live.

-Charmaine M. Garcia