Happy Birthday, Dad

Happy Birthday

Today would have been my dad’s 65th birthday. It’s strange to think of him not being able to reach and celebrate this age when he was so full of life, energy, and enthusiasm just a few short months ago. My dad was my best friend. To those who knew him, his presence was unmistakable—a booming voice, an infectious laugh, and an absolutely legendary mustache. Born and raised in Mexico, he moved to the US with my mother shortly after marrying, taking little more than a suitcase and a dream. His life was marred with a constant barrage of challenges, hardships, and setbacks. Yet his resolve never faltered. Instead, he took each obstacle as an opportunity for growth. 

I’ll never forget the day I knew for certain how much of a badass my dad was. One year, he had a friend who had trained to run the Chicago marathon and asked him if he would be there on race day to cheer her on. Well, he did her one better and insisted on cheering her on at her side, entering the marathon at the very last minute and without training, or even running a single mile in the entirety of the year. He made it more than twenty miles before reaching the point of physical—but not mental—exhaustion. His friend forced him to stop, but there isn't a doubt in my mind that, were it not for her, he would have crawled those last few miles if that’s what it took. Predictably, he was physically unable to walk by the morning, but I can distinctly remember the massive grin he wore for all of the next day, rivaled only by the grimace when trying to stand up.

I owe my passion for fitness and the never ending pursuit of self-betterment to him. From as early as I can remember, my father instilled in me the importance of discipline, consistency, and an unshakable belief in the value of hard work. He showed me how to lift weights and taught me the basics of nutrition and healthy eating. Some of my most cherished memories are of our excruciatingly early lifting sessions in the basement weight room with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding guiding our workout, Dad shouting words of encouragement, and REO Speedwagon blaring in the background (sorry, Mom). 

Through his actions, my dad taught me that strength isn’t only about physical endurance but about the resilience of the heart. He showed me how to approach life with both humility and integrity, how to face hardship with faith, and how to embrace joy with an open and vulnerable heart. He was a man who pushed his limits, whether in martial arts, triathlons, or in his career, and he did so not for recognition but because he genuinely loved the journey. My dad embraced and chased the feeling you get when you know you’ve given every ounce of willpower you have in pushing past your limits.

In reflecting on his life, I find myself asking what it means to honor him and his legacy. Perhaps it’s in carrying forward the values he instilled in me—strength, kindness, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. I think of him whenever I’m struggling, reminding myself to choose the path that reflects his faith, courage, and selflessness. And, just as he welcomed people into his life with an open heart, I hope to be a source of support and encouragement to those around me, just as he was.

As I move forward, I aim to embody the qualities he lived by. I’ll honor him not only through my memories but by actively choosing to live a life that mirrors his spirit—a life of purpose, kindness, and strength. Today, on his 65th birthday, I’ll carry his memory with me as both a guide and a reminder of the kind of person I strive to be. And I will absolutely be blaring REO Speedwagon in his honor.

I love you, Dad.

To strength of body, clarity of mind. 

S