Poem found in Dad's Bible

Ascension

And if I go, while you're still here,
Know that I live on, vibrating to a different measure,
behind a thin veil you cannot see through,
You will not see me, so you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest.
And when you need me, just whisper my name in your heart...
I will be there.

50th Wedding Anniversary MIracle

Dad,

Your 50th Wedding Anniversary Photo with Christs image and the Holy Spirit in the photo. You were truly blessed Dad from God. A house meaning so much to many of us, our home.

Look closely Dad, you can see the image of Christ Face and a Dove in the upper right hand corner of the photograph. I remember how happy you were the day you saw this. To you it was a confirmation of your love for Christ. It was Dad...

Your Loving Son,
Chendo

So much to save, so much to record, your memories for your grandchildren...

Dad,

Here is your scapular. I would always see you wearing it with your tshirt on. You always told me that you wanted it on in case you died because you believed that you would go to straight to heaven. You had FAITH, Dad and yes Dad you did go to heaven and it was true. Now, I am honored to wear it for you and wait for the day I will be with you.

It is just another piece of you Dad that lives on....you did not want to be forgotten and you did not want your lessons that you taught us forgotten. It is too bad that all did not learn all that you taught, especially "RESPECT" for one another. Like you said, do not hate them, pray for them...

Forever your loving son,
Chendo

Important Dates in my Dad's Life

1891- November 22nd, Grandpa Pedro is born in Leon, Gto, Mexico

1894- March 30, Grandma Juana is born in Leon, Gto. Mexico

1920-December 30th, Uncle Manuel is born in Silvis Yards.

1922-March 15th, Uncle Ray is born in Silvis Yards.

1923-November 1st, Aunt Victoria is born in Silvis Yards.

1925-March 1st - Dad, Rosendo I. is born to Pedro and Juana Terrones in boxcar 4 in the Silvis Yards

1925- November 22nd- Cecelia Gamino is born in Silvis Yards.

1926- September 25th- Aunt Marie is born in Silvis Yards.

1928- June 21st - Uncle Louis is born in Silvis Yards.

1929 - Grandpa Pedro moves his family to 2nd Street, Silvis in a cement block house. His friends told him that it was going to crash in on him.

1930- Grandpa Pedro receives letter that he is being deported and must leave the US. He packs up a Model T with his family and returns to Leon, Gto. Mexico. He leaves to Laredo, Mexico.

1930- Son born to Pedro and Juana in Laredo, Mexico name is Joseph. Mother, Juana also dies few days after delivery.

1931- Grandpa Pedro decides to return to America, he arrives to Laredo, Mexico and Grandma Juana dies in giving birth to another child, both mother and child die.

1931-Children of Pedro and Juana Terrones return to Silvis, Ill to live with Maria and Simon Sierra, except Manuel Terronez.

1932? - Children of Pedro Terrones start to attend St Annes School. Children had to walk the entire distance to St Annes everyday for 10 years. Children are used as house servants in Simon and Maria Sierras home.

1941- Rosendo Terronez graduates from St.Annes at the age of 16 years.

1945- Rosendo Terronez graduates from East Moline High School at 20 years of age.

194?- Dad works for Plantation in Moline, Il as busboy.

194?- Dad works for Rock Island Railroad

1945- September 24th, Rosendo and Cecelia Terronez marry in Peoria, Illinois.

1945- Dad starts working at John Deere Harvestor, works in Foundry many years, losing his hearing as a result of the noise from hammers.

1946- April 19th, Pomposa Gamino dies from heart attack, Mom is in the hospital. She is unable to attend funeral.

1946- April 22nd, baby girl, Celia, is born to Rosendo and Cecelia.

1947- June 1st, Olivia June Terronez is born to Rosendo and Cecelia Terronez

1950- January 11th, Rosendo M. Terronez is born to Rosendo and Cecelia Terronez

1951- April 21, Celestine Terronez is born to Rosendo and Cecelia Terronez

1952- Grandpa Pedro Terrones crosses the border in Laredo, Mexico. Age 60 years old. Destination - unknown.

1953- September 6th, Raymond Louis Terronez is born to Rosendo and Cecelia Terronez.

1956- January 21st, Lydia Terronez is born to Rosendo and Cecelia Terronez

1957- November 29th, Lillian Terronez is born to Rosendo and Cecelia Terronez

1961- January 30th, Seferino Terronez is born to Rosendo and Cecelia Terronez

1972- May 5th, Seferino Gamino, father of Cecelia Terronez, death in Silvis, Illinois

1983- September 1st, Rosendo I Terronez retirees from John Deere Harvester after 38 years, he worked in the Foundry for 36years and in parts for 2 years. He retired at the age of 57 years.

Early Photograph of Mom and Dad 1945?

Dad,

Mom says the first time she met you was when you were sledding in the snow...

Your loving son,
Chendo

Important Dates in October...

October 3, 1968 Richard Fetterer Birthday
October 5th, 1984 Erica Rivera Birthday
October 7th, 1970 Grandpa Pedro Terrones Passing, Dads father
October 10th, 1977 Dr. Andy Joe Malcolm Birthday
October 19th, 1983 Passing Anniversary of Victoria Polzin, Dads Sister

Happy 64th Wedding Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Dad and Mom,

Sorry I forgot your 64th Wedding Anniversary, September 24th, 1945. Happy Anniversary. You graduated in May of 45 and you and mom got married in Peoria, Il in September. I am busy writing a short history of you and trying to figure out all these dates and places so that they are not forgotten.


Your Loving Son,
Chendo

"Here is your Dad's Rosary, that you gave him. It was his favorite."

Dad,

Here is the rosary I bought you in San Antonio, Texas when we went together to see the Alamo. Do you remember? You told me so much about the Alamo. We went to most of the missions and looked at them all. Dad, I really enjoyed the time we had together there. Our interests are so much the same.

I know you used this rosary so much. Mom told me "Here is your Dad's rosary that you gave him in Texas, it was his favorite." I feel you close to me when I use it Dad. I can see the beads where they are worn down from your fingers. I am so happy I have your rosary, Dad. I am sorry I can not visit you in your home and pray your rosary in the kitchen with you. Your daughters do not realize the many meanings a son and father have after he is gone. The last time we said the rosary together was in the kitchen, do you remember? You lead us in the rosary. It was so beautiful they way you said it. You dedicated the rosary to Ti and I do not why? Mom was with us too, the three of us.

Forever Your loving Son,
Chendo

Do Not Cry....

Dad,

I try not to cry, but I miss you so much. You were the light that lit up my life, I realize that now more than ever Dad. Nothing seems to fill that emptiness, Dad. Your day when you were called is coming up and I will remember you Dad with respect.

I miss you so much Dad.....if I could have only one more minute with you.

Forever your loving Son,
Chendo

Mr. Rosendo I. Terronez

Dad's Last Poem

Dad,

You talk about fishing, fishing for things that you want in life. And for those who fish who dont pray to our Lord first will not get what they want. They come back empty handed, no fish. Yes, we must ask and pray. Having faith in the Lord. You had so much Faith, Dad. All you went through, losing your mother and father, but you still did not lose your faith. Not all in the family follow this path Dad. They lose something and lost their faith. Of course, that is the road they choose to follow. It is the road they followed in the past and they continue to follow to this day.

I see you struggled to write this poem with your sickness and the heavy medication you were on. Your handwriting is so different. But you had faith and you got it down on paper. It is my job to publish your poem so that all can hear your voice, not all will listen.

Forever your loving son,
Chendo

My Dad loved the Virgin de Guadalupe. He made several trips to Mexico to visit the Basilicas. I am very fortunate to accompany him on his trips. I have many fond memories of our trips. He would always mention in his letters about praying to the Virgin for protection. I dedicate this blog to the Virgin and my Dad.



In all his letters he always wrote "Your Loving Father"...here is a Rose for you Dad. A rose grown in my garden an held by your military soldier, Lt. Lyle Bushong.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Basilica in Mexico City

Dad and I visited this basilica. It is the newer of the two churches. Years ago in the 60's we visited the older basilica. Inside the church is the original mantle of the Virgin. Dad loved visiting the church. He felt so good being there in the temple of Mary. We walked all over the grounds of the complex.

Dad and I visited Cristo Rey in Guanajuato

Our family relatives in Leon, took us to Cristo Rey. It was a beautiful church on a mountain top. I remember we ran out of gas going up the mountain. No one stressed out, people brought us gas so we could make it to the top. I remember Dad loved it there. He sat and prayed and then we went out to the ledge to look over the valley. He said if I looked hard enough I would see the sign of the cross in the valley. I hope to make a return trip someday to this church.

Dad's beginnings...

Dad's life began in a boxcar in the Silvis yards. He life would take him to a dirt street called 2nd Street, then to the Barrio de San Miguel, Leon, Gto, then to Laredo, Mexico where he lost his mother during childbirth, then back to Silvis to live with his Aunt Mary Sierra on 1st Ave., then living in various homes until he married Cecelia Gamino. They lived in his father in law's house, Seferino Gamino, until they moved to our home, 143-6th St., in Silvis.




Boxcar House similar to the birthplace for Mom and Dad. Boxcar numbers are listed on birth certificate. Dads was Boxcar no. 4. This is the birthplace of our family, in a boxcar in the Silvis RR Yards in 1925. Boxcars were made of wood, not metal like modern day boxcars. They were very cold and usually had a pot belly stove in them for heat. Children would pick up coal along the side of the tracks for the stoves. Nina Vic and I walked one day back in the yards, looking for anything remaining. It was very cold and she was all bundled up. She was looking for anything that remained her of her past. In 1929, Grandpa Pedro and Grandma Juana moved out of the yards to a cement block house on 2nd Street, Silvis. I have photos of it. It no longer exists. It was directly across the Hero Street Park.

Dad's Baby Picture

It is amazing this photograph even exists. Taken in 1926 in the Silvis Yards with a camera. Cameras were extremely rare in the yards. Usually only hired photographers had them to photograph big social events. It is also amazing that it has survived all these years, including trips to Mexico and back. This small baby made such an impact on our lives, our father.

Dad's Mother, Juana Terrones and Father, Pedro Terrones

Dad's parents immigrated from Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico in 1917. They found work and housing in the Silvis Rock Island Yards. They were involved in the development of the mexican community, moving to 2nd Street, now Hero Street, USA. They built the only cement block house on 2nd street. In 1929, they and all their American born children were deported back to Mexico during the depression. Grandpa Pedro sold his house and loaded a Model T and drove back to Leon, Mexico.

Dad, Ray and I went looking for Grandpa in Laredo, Mexico in the '60's. We looked and looked for him. We finally parked the car and waited. Here comes down the street an old mexican man with his cart and donkey. Dad said "there's my Dad". It was a wonderful reunion after all these years. We stayed with him for several days in Leon, Gto. a time I will never forget. A time with my Dad.

Dad and I visited Leon, Gto and saw these sites.

Trips to Leon, Gto. with Dad and Aunt Marie

I was so lucky to go with Aunt Marie and Dad to Leon, Gto. to visit relatives there. Dad always told me to maintain contact with relatives there. He wanted this maintained so we would not lose our connection with the past. He wrote to his Aunt Lucita Zermeno his entire life. We went and visited her many times. I have all these memories of the good times we had down in Mexico. I will never forget them Dad.

Brother and Sister Couple

Dad, Mom, Aunt Marie and Uncle Hank. Aunt Marie loved my Dad very much. She said the best brother anyone could ever have.

Dad's Homemade Christmas Card from the Family

A beautiful Christmas Card from Mom and Dad to me, he includes all his children. It is in his very own handwriting.

Dad's Growing Family

We had to have the TV come out in the picture. We were so proud we had one.

Dad in High School

Dad's Ob

Dad was an avid reader..

I picture him always like this...reading. He was a much better reader than I. He could finish a book in a couple of days. He would say "Son, you gotta read this book".

Dad's Letter Nov 12, 1972 - Click on letter for larger view

My Dad loved Santa

Mom and Dad were in a Wedding

Letter Dad wrote November 12, 1972

Dear Son,

I am writing this letter on the kitchen table. It is late in the evening. The party is over and everyone has gone home. It was a glass party put on by Celia and Mom. They sold about $200 worth of stuff. It is like a Stanley Party. They dont get the money but they get credit for it on any item they want. The items are made of glass. Everyone is fine. Mom is well after being sick last night like I told you on the phone. Now, Lillian has the flu and I hope she gets well by tomorrow in time for school. I am writing this letter on some of your notebook paper. I think you recognize it. I am sending a recent picture of Micheal and Patrick. I hope you like them and keep them in your wallet. They were taken in school where they are both doing ver good.

Well, now I better answer your letter, but first I better read it again. Oh, before I forget I gave Celia your address so you will probably get another letter soon. She told me not worry about you. "He's got the same determination that I have!"
I am glad that you like the people and the place where you live. If you treat them right they will do likewise. The same holds true for your job. Always be willing to learn something new everyday. Like they used to tell me as a busboy. "Never learve the kitchen empty handed". So whey you leave your old job take something with you, "Knowledge".

Do you mind my preaching! I hope not because I dont have much money. The Lord said; "the one who is the greatest is the one who serves the rest".
Enough! Enough!

O yes , son I missed you like I told you on the phone. But I dont have time to sit around and think. I do think about you when I am working an sometimes when I look out the backdoor. But I am getting used to it and I realize that you have to live your own life. And I am proud that you are doing a good job of it.
I am sorry that you are having trouble with Maria Lopez cooking. Well in time your stomach will get used to it. Get some baking soda like we have at home.

Well son that all for now. I think we said most of it on the phone last night. Write soon.
Your loving Dad
R.I. Terronez

Christmas Party with Mom and Dad

Going out for Breakfast

Mom and Dad would go out for breakfast at Hardys or Porkies to greet Ollie when she opened the door. They were always there to support us in our daily activities. Dad had his famous plaid shirt on and his cap.

Mom and Dad at JD loading dock.

Mom always talks about the loading dock where she used to eat lunch at John Deere Loading Dock. She insisted that this picture be taken as a memory. Dad is with here.

Aunt Mary Woods, Mom and Dad enjoying a beer!

Photo taken in Stovar, Missouri. We went to visit Aunt Mary and Gerald one summer. They had a gas station and small store they operated. We had a great time on that vacation. I believe Olie and Lillian went also.

Dad ignoring Mom

Dad and his brother and sisters

Photo of Dad, Nina Vic, Uncle Manuel, and Aunt Marie....They always had respect for each other.

Pedro and Juana Terrones Reunion

Nina Vic and Aunt Marie would like to get all of us together at her house or at a park. We are at Nina Vics in this photo, all gathered in front of her flower bed with the Virgin statue in Babcock, Il.

Dad loves singing

Dad loved to sing all the time. He sang in the church choir for many years. I have video of him singing at a Christmas Pagent. He has his suit on and his hand in his pocket. He is singing with the Ramirez brothers in this photo. Photo is dated May 1955. He was 30 years old in this photo.

Pete's Cafe

Photo Dad took of Pete's Cafe with Uncle Paul and Mom crossing the street. Dad was a very good photographer. Picture is dated on the back ...June 1st, 1946. Mom would have been 21 years old.

Splender in the Grass

Dad called this picture "Splender in the Grass". I think it was taken at Butterworth Park and Mom does not look to happy. I think it was taken before they were married. Dad had a camera and was a good photographer. I think I got it from him. Mom has something, flowers in her hair.

Early photo of Mom and Dad

Rare photo of Mom and Dad at Grandpa Seferino's House. They lived there for a short while before buying our family house on 6th street. Mom is expecting either Cis, Olie or Chendo. There is no date on the photo. Dad has his white tshirt on..classic look and mom has a scarf around her head.

Nina Vic-Elegance and Dignity

Another photo of Nina Vic

Aunt Vic Polzin

Nina Vic never had the opportunity to go to high school but she did not let that stop her. She obtained employment at the RI Arsenal and worked there for many years. I remember her stating that interns she trained could not believe she did not go to high school She always showed respect to my Dad, she would not think of hurting him.
It meant nothing my Dad had very little in wealth when we were growing up. She was always there to help him. She would buy us toys and treat us for Halloween. My Dad loved his sister very much. She loved coming over with Uncle Lenny and have my moms enchildas. I have many audio tapes of her lifes struggles.

Respect for you Uncles and Aunts...Family Tradition

Respect for my uncles and aunts have been a tradition since I was small. When Dad ever had an issue with Nina Vic or Uncle Manuel, we would never even think of becoming involved. We kept quiet....and let them handle it.

Times have changed and so have the family values. Apologizes are unheard of now...

Most Famous Photographer of All, Dad

I was sitting with Dad on the patio and saw the camera sitting there on the table. I told him to pretend he was taking a picture and he posed for this picture. He took photos way before any of us. He had a Brownie box camera he said. He later had a flash camera that used bulbs that I used for many years. He was responsible for many of the pictures in moms albums.