Thanks from Vela

June 8, 2007 Dear Family, Words fail to express all the thanks and appreciation that I feel for having so many of you attend my father’s funeral. It was indeed a day mixed with sadness and joy. Sadness that my father is now gone, never to be seen again in this life, but joy at the prospect of his heavenly place. He was a good man, simple in many of his ways. He was always ready with a story, a dance and song, or a couple of jazzy interludes on the piano during one of his yarns. He was handsome with black hair with crystal blue eyes, during his younger years, and graceful and fragile for the duration of his life. All of you might also remember that my brother Ricky was artistic and musical, graceful and fragile and so very much like dad. I felt honored to have Ricky moved to a resting place of honor and respect beside his father. Although, in a day and time in which he lived, Dad was not strong enough to cast aside many sorrows of his life, and perhaps made choices that did not serve him well. But, who of us had not been down that path once or twice? But to me as a child, Dad was my anchor, and the reason my eyes brightened when he was near. Most of the family does remember these things about Uncle Henry B., as was expressed so very poetically and lovingly by Betty, Dee and Diane. Barbara was also beloved by me too. She became my mother for the duration of my young life after Grandmother Diane left, and never failed me with her kindness and love. I remember a time in which her life was filled with laughter and fun, and Dad and Mom’s house was the place to be on the weekends. Whatever little they had was openly shared, and there was no embarrassment experienced in the “Tavern on the Porch”. Everyone who came could let their hair down and be themselves. Now that was living! I just love you all. You are unique...each and every one. And I am very blessed to be a part of such a diverse and talented family. Each and every one of you strikes cords within my soul that makes a most beautiful melody. I’ve always taught my sons that they will love many times in their lives, and in many ways. Each love experienced builds the repertoire of their spirit until at long last they enter heaven and unto God with a new song. My father’s song is of you and me, Kathy and Micky, and is being sung in heavenly places this day. With deepest appreciation and love, Vela