My Papá Heroes!

Being a new dad  has been a gratifying learning experience for me.

If I look at the people who have supported me in these last few years and over my life time, I am able to identify the traits of Dads I really admire. As a tribute and dedication to these dads, this first blog post is for them. Here are a few thoughts on why I think they are awesome dads.

My Dad Luis (aka Don Tito)

Many of the traits I have in communicating with people and being able to persuade people during a difficult situations, I learned from my dad. Although I am not as good as he is at enchanting people, I think I have learned a thing or two.

My dad grew up in a poor environment along with his 11 siblings in Puerto Rico’s housing projects better known as “residenciales”. Something my dad taught me that I repeat every day is gratitude and sharing with others what I have.

My dad would always share everything he had with those he respected and cherished. Every day I try to copy my dad in those actions and I have to say it has brought me great results.

My Uncle Irving (aka Tio Tito)

I guess in some way I am his only son. He has always been a second father to me. Right now @danielalcolon is very lucky that she has another grandfather who loves her. My love for history and marketing can be directly attributed to Tio Tito.

When I was a kid I use to spend my two months of my summer vacation here in Puerto Rico. My Uncle Tito would submerge me with facst about world history including my island of Puerto Rico. I would spend the summer watching documentaries with an extra narrator and he explained things that I was not certain about. He would take me around Puerto Rico and teach me about the historical places. He always had a great story around its history  and all of these facts are ingrained in my memory.

Till this day whenever friends come to visit, I provide historical tours about the Island’s history. Thanks  to Tio Tito’s effort in teaching me most of it. Tio Tito also worked for over 30 years as a professor teaching students of all ages about marketing and other great small business advice. Till this day his ideas are a great source of information for me.

My Brother Javier and I September 2009

Javier (My Younger Brother AKA Javi)

Many of us are surprised when we first hear the words, “You are going to be a dad.” Javier took a more admirable and respectable route; he choose to be a Dad and does a great job. When many of us were still thinking of partying and enjoying life, my brother Javier choose to become an awesome dad sacrificing many things to make sure his son is well taken care of.

I admire Javier because I would not have been able to sacrifice the many things he has to become a father the way he did.

Uncle Reynaldo (aka Tio Rey)

My uncle Rey was one of the reasons I joined the U.S. Military. He retired from the National Guard after 30+ years of service and a tour in Iraq at the rank of Lt. Colonel. I always saw my uncle as role model and made the decision to enter the military following his foosteps. If someone has really sacrificed his life for his kids, my uncle is the best example. Till this day Tio Rey still sacrifices greatly for the well being of his kids.

Alex, Diego, and Me South Beach Miami September 2010

Alex

Alex calls me his brother and I call him mine. He always introduces me as a brother and for me it is a privilege. Both of us grew up a in rough neighborhood and always stood side by side trying to stay away from the bad crowd.

Now Alex is a great and proud father of my Nephew Diego which I love so much. Different to other dads and similar to my Uncle Rey, Alex is a decorated combat veteran serving a tour in Iraq and Afghanistan. Being an ex-service member myself, I have to say Alex is one of the most committed soldiers I know. I applaud Alex for being one of those that are willing to put their life on the line for others.

Other Awesome Dads

Overall I have learned unique things from these awesome dads I have in my family. Yes I know of many more that are awesome that have guided me with parenting tips. Some who I have met not so long ago like Gabo Pagan, Arsenio Sanchez, Rick Lipsett, Ricardo Serrano, Tony Torero, Chris Brogan, Ivan Traverzo, and Ramon Morales. Others I have been friends with for a while like Moises and Kike Gonzalez.

How many awesome dad’s do you know? What have you learned from them?

Make sure you wish them a Happy Father’s Day!