My parents, Eleazar and Asuncion, proudly taking a photo with me during my law school graduation. I obtained my law degree while working full time for a state public health agency, and proudly making it to the dean’s list a few semesters. My father was wildly proud, only to know how proud he was, when relatives told me how he shared my accomplishments.
When I started writing for Asian Journal now on its 32nd year of printing community stories, he called me to request that my surname include hus and my married name, hence Abarquez-Delacruz.
I miss them so much and the absurdity of using work busyness for not attending family get togethers haunt me. Learn my lesson, if your parents are alive, surprise them with your in person visits. Regrets come too late. Of late, the apple green butterfly has kept showing up – thank you Mom and Dad for all your sacrifices so we can have better lives.
I am because of who they are: integrity, compassion, hard work, marrying and existing for love of family!