CINCO DE MAYO

Yesterday was my anniversary. For some bizarre, unknown reason, my wife has decided to stick with me for seventeen (17) years. What is she thinking!? For me, it has been a Godsend. Without her I would be some homeless bum, probably lost in some no-name town that doesn't take kindly to stinky strangers without luggage or money to spend. I have always dreamed of playing the part of David Banner, the wandering jack-of-all-trades who gets pissed in every episode and turns into the Incredible Hulk, but I know that I would more-than-likely end up a dirty, mangy hobo without hope. My wife has given me seventeen (17) years of hope.

We were married on CINCO DE MAYO on purpose. The only thing I demanded of the wedding planning was the date. I could care less about the tuxes, the flowers, the music, etc. The only thing I needed was the day. Growing up in the barrio of Turloco I never missed a Cinco de Mayo. I love the Mexican culture, La Raza. Ever since moving to Central Cali back in '80, I have loved the life, the food, the music, the style. When it came to getting married, the fear of missing an anniversary date scared me bad. Thus, my demand. It was a survival tactic that has worked since the day I came up with it.

Not only was it our anniversary, but it was also the 3rd annual Angel Babies 5K Run/Walk out at Woodward Park in Fresno. It has been the event that marks the beginning of another year without our boy, TJ. Last year we set up a table and passed out buttons that I made up with the Angel Babies logo on it and the words, I Have An Angel Baby. People appreciated the buttons so much that we decided we would do this each year as a way of reaching out to others who have experienced a loss as we have. This time we brought the button maker with us. Parents were able to add their baby's name to the logo paper and then I would make their button right there. I also had colored markers and blank paper out for the kids to make custom buttons of their own. It was fun. Plus, it offered an opportunity to share stories. I always appreciate it when people ask me about TJ. To share his existence with people brings me peace. I hope those whom I talked to yesterday felt a sense of peace as well.