My Father Ruben Gonzalez

- Beatriz Gonzalez

Yes I've met a lot of people that have came in and out of my life for several reasons, but I have to say that my father is the one I myself would admire the most. Though my father may be old (37), he can pass as my Eighteenth brother, possibly even as my high school boyfriend… haha ew….

Gonzalez Beatriz. “Las Vegas Waterfall.” 2017.JPED.

I can't thank my father enough for everything he has done and sacrificed for me, my family, therefore as well for this country. My father was nineteen when he joined the US Army. I admire my father for being brave and risking his life and as well as his relationship with my mother. Thank you Dad, for being Army Strong.

Gonzalez Erica. “Army base.” Louisiana. 2003. JPED.

My father is a man like no other. He gave me life, taught me, dressed me, fought for me, held me, but most importantly he loved me unconditionally. When I do wrong, he explains to me the right. When I don't achieve what has to be done, he helps me reach my goal to what has to be done. I feel like I can always count on my father because no matter how busy he is, he will always drop everything to help me do what I have to do.

Harlingen Day care. “Life of Happiness” 2003. JPED

De La Cruz Celia. “Happiness” 2004. JPED.

Though my father struggled in life, knowing that he had nobody but my mother was difficult to think about. Both my parents had to grow up quickly at an early age due to my mother pregnancy. With my mother only being fourteen and my father being nineteen they both had to get married. They eventually got a hang of it and got to live a steady life. No they weren't able to just get up and go out with friends to parties or anything, but I mean hey, they were stable with money and they were still able to make each other happy. Eventually, my parents got a divorce and had to go their own ways… I could tell by the look of my father's face that he didn't want to leave us… but he knew it was best for the relationship that him and my mother were having. Though they both went their separate ways, my father still managed to do whatever it took to make us happy and complete again.

It's hard to think about not have siblings. I thank my parents for giving me an older brother and as well as a younger sister. Oh yeah, and including Noah, Without siblings I would be bored. Though we have always fought about everything and anything, both my parents have taught us from right and wrong. My father has disciplined us to be the kind woman and gentleman we are today. Yes, sometimes I wish I was an only child, but I mean come on… “My life would suck without [them]”

Gonzalez Erica. “Greatful.” 2007. JPED.

Gonzalez Beatriz. “Noah.” 2017. JPED

My father is human and not ashamed of what he does. My father is real, there’s no pretending when it comes to him. My father has nothing to hide and is not afraid of what other people think about him. My father is a funny, hilarious person and I like that he’s like that because I feel like I myself have grown up to be like that as well.

Gonzalez Beatriz. “Silliness.” 2014. JPED

My father was there for me through school and sports related activities. Though I wasn't all that great, my dad would still remind me after every game how good he thought I was. Though we lost some, my father was there after every game to lift me up. My father is like my best friend, and I don’t know what i would do without him by my side.

Gonzalez Ruben. “Basketball” 2015. JPED.

I admire my father's work ethic. My father has always determined to work as hard as possible to make sure that his family had what we needed or wanted. He never complained that he was tired, underpaid, or overworked. As long as we were okay and happy, my father was okay and happy. My father has been there for us through thick and thin.

Gonzalez Ruben. “Hard-working” 2017. JPED.

My father has honestly done everything for me.. He was there when I needed him the most. Like the time I was broken and need someone to talk to. I admire my father for helping me get to christ and showing me how great everything would be through christ. “I once was lost” but he helped me get through it leading me in the path to get water baptized. Cross church Photographer. Cross Church San Benito. 2017. JPED.