Father’s Day

My dad was in his mid-40s when he obtained his masters. Gwapo kaayo siya no? (He was so handsome, no?)

When Dad was 7, he and his four brothers lost their dad. Grandpa Segundo was part of the Philippines resistance against the Japanese invasion during World War II. He died fighting for his family, his people, his home.

When he was 11, Dad’s mom left for the United States, where she met her second wonderful husband, Grandpa Oronan. Together, they applied for the Segundo sons to come to the U.S. 

Left with extended family, the five brothers leaned heavily on each other. 

Dad was about 21 when his turn came to immigrate. He and his brothers borrowed money from a patron for their one-way plane ticket; they paid it back via working the agricultural fields – in addition to attending high school in a language not their own – in Soledad and Salinas, CA.

All the Segundo men joined the military after high school. Dad served in the Navy – his brothers in the Air Force, Marines, and Army.

Upon discharge, Dad worked construction as a graveyard shift crane operator. This is the time when he met my mom. 

Mom encouraged him in his education journey. Through the GI Bill, Dad was able to afford and attain his dream of becoming an accountant. Fitting, as he was a genius with numbers.

He raised two daughters: one a classic lady, the other a total tomboy. I once asked him if he was ever disappointed that he didn’t have sons. He said, “Oh no. I have you!”

He was a jolly, kind soul who worked hard, gave generously, and supported his family and loved ones. He adored working with his clients and fought for fairness for all workers while serving as the treasurer of his union. A fierce Dodgers and Lakers fan – he could recite stats for almost every player dating back decades.

He died in 2017 at 80 years old. 

I miss him every day, my beautiful and brave Dad. 

This Father’s Day, I think of him and every immigrant father whose hope for a better future brought them to America.

Dad’s story is my story and your story.

Immigrant families have been the backbone of America’s story, which makes it all the more heartbreaking to see families being torn apart today by this current administration’s policies that are devastating the “family values” they claim to protect. These are dark times that more than ever call upon the light of our unity and solidarity.

Thank you, Dad, for your love and sacrifice for us and America.

Happy Father’s Day.

In solidarity,

Laura

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