My Father
wrote this tribute to my Father five years ago. At the time, we had just found out that my father was in the beginning states of Alzhiemers. Today, my father is bed-ridden and mentally disabled due to the complications of the disease. I reprise this tribute to him here because the things I said about him five years ago are still as applicable today.This Saturday, Feb. 8, my father, Noe Cadena, will celebrate his 74th birthday. Dad has never been much for parties or birthdays. He has never wanted that much attention or adoration. Not that he doesn't merit or deserve both in vast amounts. It's just that Dad has always carried himself with a quiet, strong, self-assurance that makes him a giver, not a receiver.Dad was a great athlete as a young man, growing up in Falfurias Texas. He was an over-achiever who made up for his lack of size with speed, quickness, determination and thinking. He made State honorable mention in football, at a time when there were no class divisions, which meant he was recognized as one of the best in the state, period.Sitemap