Sunday, March 30, 2008

Looking for stories

Anyone have any memories/stories about Jose?
I'm hoping to have short stories that can be added to his memory cards.
Please either post/comment them here - or email them to me

THANKS MUCH!

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Letters that have to be sent...

I have to say, Dad left everything in great shape. He planned, he organized, he set things up.
There are a few things we (read Connie) is having to do - like, cancel the insurance on the car. It is going thru the auction, being sold, no longer dad's responsibility.
Well, of course the Insurance company does not want to refund the pre-paid insurance thru the end of the year. So, they are saying we can't cancel it.
They requested a copy of the Death Certificate - or they will not cancel.
I'm sorry, but, if ya want to cancel insurance, and ya get in an accident THEY AREN'T RESPONSIBLE! So what's the big deal?
So, being unable to scan & email the death certificate, I am faxing it in.
And here is the cover letter I attached:


'Please cancel the insurance on this vehicle. It is at auction. Jose Barbosa is dead and the vehicle is no longer being used or in his possession.
He has a lovely urn and will not be interred in this vehicle. You no longer need to insure it.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.'

Do you think they'll get the point?

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Friends & Family

It's been incredible -
Hearing from all the relatives, the friends who are like family.

Please don't anyone feel bad if you haven't responded or don't know what to say.
some people have written or sent cards. some have spoken in person when they see me. some have emailed. Some I think are just thinking about dad & his life. Taking a bit of time out to reflect on the relationship you had with him, with us, with your own family and friends - I think that is a great memorial. An honor to be in each other's lives and to learn lessons from each other. Speaking words simply makes it easier for others to hear you, but doesn't necessarily make others understand you.

We all mourn in our own way.
It doesn't matter what you say to us - mourning is personal and my way of mourning is probably not the same as yours. the same as my relationship to my father is mine - no one else, not my brother or sisters had the same relationship. Strange how a few years changes things.
I know we laugh at things most people don't laugh at. But it's not out of disrespect - it's out of joy - finding the humor in our lives. And hopefully, in our deaths.
I suggested I'd prefer peaceful death in my sleep - a friend of mine suggested massive heart failure while riding her bike at top speed down a hill - I might have to sign up for her method! And I'd be laughing all the way... and I suspect dad would in some way have enjoyed that much more. 'Youth is wasted on the Young'

Relationships look different from other people's perspectives.
My relationship to dad looks different when others tell me what he has said, or what they have seen.
communication again. or a lack thereof.
I hear things that dad never told me. So I keep learning about dad.

Please think of stories about dad - and share them with us.
Because you all saw a side of him we never did.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Memorial Confirmed

It's at the Doubletree Hotel -
at 5000 W 127th st - just west of Cicero & the toll road.
It'll be hor-dvores -
it will be from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday 13th April.

If you click on the title it should take you to the directions page

Dad with Elizabeth


Thursday, March 6, 2008

Memorial - Still Confirming

Con went around today to about 7 different places - found a couple she liked. We're trying one other option - she just has to hear back from Dad's friend Jose.

Thought it would be the 6th, until my friend Laura reminded me I would be out of town just returning that day - so looks like it will be April 13th Sunday.

We are still confirming - hopefully will have a time by this weekend firmed up.
Sorry for the delay!

Dad had his urn all picked out - but when we asked the Cremation guys, they said to hold onto it - I think Con is either going to get it over to them, or we'll do the transfer later.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Tentative for the Memorial

Haven't even had a chance to talk to Michael or Susanne yet, but after looking at weekends coming up - we're thinking a tentative date of April 6th Sunday for the memorial.
We're checking locations currently.
Probably in Burbank somewhere.
Sunday will make it possible for dad's car dealer friends to be there
and Con will bring mom with - seeing as it's a Sunday.
We'll confirm soon