Thursday, April 4, 2013

Chronicles of the Dragon Cave from A to Z: "D" for Da Dragon

   My grandfather was Father Dragon "The Great". Today is his birthday and it will be the first he'll spend in the mighty company of the Dragon Ancestors. He passed away last December. Today I want to share with you some things about my greatest hero, my best friend, and one of the best and strongest lights in this dragon's life.
   My grandfather was one of a kind, even for a dragon. He learned bakery, shoe-making, cooking, tailoring, bookbinding, electricity and carpentry, among many other things. He put heart and care in everything he did, even if he wasn't a master on it. He started the Grand Library that's now at the Dragon Cave and he did read each of those hundreds of books, including the encyclopedias and dictionaries.
   He was the personification of courage. He invented the term "face adversity with a smile". His best cure for even the worst of pains was making jokes -and he did experience some of the worst pains. Even with open wounds that ran from side to side, he would be singing or making others laugh.
   Often, doctors would only believe his condition was critical because of the medical tests, and they would be astonished he could still be joking with those who came to check on him. Actually, many times they were shocked he was not just still alive, but sporting such nerve and spirit.
   The patients who shared room with him would improve significantly while he was there, and sadly decay when he was discharged. Instead of complaining about his pains or ailments, he would be encouraging and cheering those in the other beds.
   My grandfather was a captivating storyteller, a baseball lover, a Yankee fan and winner coach that led his teams to championships. He had many nicknames. "Capi" for Capitan, "Granddad" and "Torero" (bullfighter in Spanish) because he was also an expert in bullfighting. He was great in Ballroom dancing and women would take turns for a dance with him. His favorite was the Paso Doble.
   Today is my grandfather's birthday and I couldn't have a video with dwarves and dragons dancing, but this Paso Doble is for da greatest dragon in history. For the best Dancing Dragon ever!

    Que viva la fina estampa, Torero! This dance is for you. Happy Birthday, wherever you are.





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49 comments:

  1. Elizabeth SeckmanApril 4, 2013 at 1:21 AM

    This is so beautiful. What an inspirational man. And I believe he still lives on...in the heart and soul of his grandson. You inherited that dragon spirit. It's so obvious in your words and deeds,

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  2. Misha GerrickApril 4, 2013 at 3:32 AM

    Very sweet tribute to someone who sounds absolutely worthy of it.

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  3. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 3:35 AM

    What a lovely post. He sounds like an absolutely wonderful man and a great influence on others.

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  4. Alex J. CavanaughApril 4, 2013 at 5:41 AM

    He sounds like a true champion. You obviously inherited many of his gifts.

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  5. TrishaApril 4, 2013 at 6:41 AM

    Yay for Da Dragon!! :) He sounds like a wonderful man!

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  6. Jeremy [Retro]April 4, 2013 at 6:45 AM

    wonderful... nice sentiment.

    Jeremy [Retro]
    AtoZ Challenge Co-Host
    Oh No, Let's Go... Crazy

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  7. ReginaApril 4, 2013 at 6:56 AM

    I've always wanted to learn to dance the Paso Doble maybe I can get Dragon to teach me!

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    1. Al DiazApril 4, 2013 at 12:08 PM

      I'll have to learn first, Regina. In my early years I had two left feet so my grandfather couldn't teach me. Besides the danger of stepping on your foot is too big (too big a dragon foot too, hahaha)

      Delete
  8. Sue McPeakApril 4, 2013 at 7:01 AM

    Ole'!!! Any Dragon that Dances the PasoDoble, cobbles, bakes, builds, fights bulls, reads encyclopedias, and on and on deserves the accolades and admiration of his Descendent Dragons. He breathes fire through you! Well done for Letter D.
    Sue~CollectInTexasGal
    AtoZ LoneStar Quilting Bee

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    1. Al DiazApril 4, 2013 at 12:05 PM

      Ole, Sue! Hahaha. Yes, we try to keep that fire burning. :)

      Delete
  9. JoApril 4, 2013 at 7:04 AM

    Sounds like a wonderful man. I used to be very fond of the Paso Doble when I was a young woman and would dance it at any chance I got. Those were the days.

    JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

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    1. Al DiazApril 4, 2013 at 12:04 PM

      I think I can imagine you dancing Paso Doble. I really don't dance it as it should be danced but it is quite fun to pretend.

      Delete
  10. DaniApril 4, 2013 at 8:06 AM

    What a great Dragon Pa you have. A very touching tribute.
    Dani @ Entertaining Interests
    #warriorminion

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  11. jaybirdApril 4, 2013 at 8:36 AM

    That is how I want to be- always encouraging and helping others, even though I myself am in constant pain. What a wonderful tribute- loved this post!

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    1. Al DiazApril 4, 2013 at 4:48 PM

      I am happy you think like that, Jaybird. Not an easy task, but it's worth trying. :D

      Delete
  12. Christine RainsApril 4, 2013 at 8:47 AM

    What an amazing grandfather you had. A grand tribute!

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  13. Michelle WallaceApril 4, 2013 at 8:48 AM

    Your grandfather sounds like he was a very special person! A shining example to others. You are blessed to be descended from such a man!

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    1. Al DiazApril 4, 2013 at 4:49 PM

      Yes, Michelle. And even more blessed to have the chance to share so much with him.

      Delete
  14. Elise FallsonApril 4, 2013 at 8:52 AM

    Your grandfather sounds like an wonderful individual. Wish there were more like him, the world would be a better, happier place. Beautiful heartfelt post and a Happy Birthday to him, where ever he may be.

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    1. Al DiazApril 4, 2013 at 12:10 PM

      I think that's why I keep talking about him. I have the hope it would inspire someone else to be like he was.

      Delete
  15. Mina BurrowsApril 4, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    Happy Birthday indeed! This is a beautiful post. My heart swells when I think of my grandmother God rest her soul. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Al DiazApril 4, 2013 at 4:50 PM

      She must have been a wonderful person too. Be welcome to the dragon cave.

      Delete
  16. Carol KilgoreApril 4, 2013 at 10:28 AM

    A beautiful tribute to your grandfather! And I loved the paso doble video :)

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    1. Al DiazApril 4, 2013 at 4:51 PM

      I'm glad you did. That paso doble is one of my favorites.

      Delete
  17. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 10:40 AM

    I never had the chance to meet my grandfathers. They passed before I was born. Yours sounds truly wonderful!

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  18. Julie FlandersApril 4, 2013 at 10:42 AM

    What a wonderful tribute to your grandfather. Beautiful!

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  19. cleemckenzieApril 4, 2013 at 10:43 AM

    Grandfather Dragon was a mulit-talented fellow. No wonder he garnered your love and respect. How fortunate you were to have had him in your cave.

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  20. UnknownApril 4, 2013 at 10:54 AM

    Wow, Al. I didn't want this story of your grandfather to end. How much we can learn and gain from knowing or even knowing about such fascinating and noble people. Thanks for sharing a little bit about this man who obviously meant so much to you.

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    1. Al DiazApril 4, 2013 at 4:52 PM

      And whenever my mother tells me about her own childhood, I keep learning more about him. I'm glad you enjoyed. :)

      Delete
  21. MelissaApril 4, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    What an awesome tribute, Al. I had to come out of hiding for this. :)

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    1. Al DiazApril 4, 2013 at 4:53 PM

      I feel honored and flattered you did. Thank you, Melissa!

      Delete
  22. Empty Nest InsiderApril 4, 2013 at 12:25 PM

    This is a loving tribute to your grandfather. He really was tough as nails with a warm and loving side too. I also admire how he mastered so many different skills. It sounds like he passed on his humor, strength and generous heart to you. I'm sorry that you lost such a wonderful man.

    Julie

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    1. Al DiazApril 4, 2013 at 4:57 PM

      I promised I would keep him alive in the only way I can do it. By following his example and exercise his best attributes, and of course, tell others about him. Sometimes I think of him like The Cid, who won a battle after his dead. Each time I say, "this goes for you, grandpa," I think he is still winning battles, even after death. :D

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  23. Heather M. GardnerApril 4, 2013 at 12:59 PM

    Such wonderful words for your Grandfather. This was so nice to read.
    Heather

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  24. L. Diane WolfeApril 4, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    Your grandfather had a great attitude.

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  25. Tony LaplumeApril 4, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    Excellent tribute!

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  26. UnknownApril 4, 2013 at 1:57 PM

    beautiful tribute, long may the dragon stars beam down on you.

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    1. Al DiazApril 4, 2013 at 5:22 PM

      Thank you, it gave me a nice image in my mind. :D

      Delete
  27. M PaxApril 4, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    Happy Birthday Father Dragon The Great! A fitting video. I thought it a very fiery dance. I was amazed at how in sync they were.

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    1. Al DiazApril 4, 2013 at 5:23 PM

      I thought so too. They dance pretty well and I like that song the most. :)

      Delete
  28. ClareApril 4, 2013 at 3:28 PM

    What a beautiful, touching tribute to your grandfather. He sounds like he was a great man; I'm sorry for your loss.

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  29. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 3:41 PM

    Your grandfather was an amazing man. I loved that you saluted him with a dance and such a dance...full of life. Happy A to Z to U!

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  30. Jeff HargettApril 4, 2013 at 5:31 PM

    It would have been an honor to meet Father Dragon "The Great".

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    1. Al DiazApril 4, 2013 at 5:39 PM

      That would have been nice, indeed. I would have liked to see how good is your Spanish, since he didn't speak English. :)

      Delete
  31. klahanieApril 4, 2013 at 6:23 PM

    Greetings Al Diaz,

    I have made my um triumphant return to your wondrous site. Yes, it's me, the cordial host of the alternate alphabet challenge. To seek out new words. To boldly go where no alphabet has gone before...Anyway, enough of me....

    Your grandfather, epitomises and embraced inspiration from adversity with a smile. Perhaps a smile of peaceful defiance. And I see in you a reflection of your beloved grandfather. A wonderful birthday tribute to your grandfather.

    Be well, my friend.

    In kindness and goodwill,

    Gary

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  32. Mina LoboApril 4, 2013 at 8:04 PM

    I started watching the video with respectful thoughts in tribute to your grandfather but then had to stop watching the video mid-way through. The lithe, comanding figure of that male dancer, and the sensual way in which he moved, made my thoughts turn...elsewhere.

    ¡Feliz cumpleaños capitán!
    Some Dark Romantic

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  33. Lynda R Young as Elle CardyApril 5, 2013 at 12:00 AM

    Beautiful! I wish I got to know my grandparents as you did with your granddad.

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  34. Shannon LawrenceApril 5, 2013 at 12:28 AM

    What a wonderful tribute to what sounds like a vibrant and fascinating man!

    Shannon at The Warrior Muse

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  35. Jianne CarloApril 5, 2013 at 7:41 AM

    That was simply lovely, what a fabulous tribute. The love is evident in every word.

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