Clearing My Dads Name...

I get a message and they want to know exactly what is tearing apart our family. Sister One says there two sides to every story. Yes there certainly is. Here is my side. Remember as you read this, reflect on how you would react and how you would feel because this is what I have and others have gone through since Dad got sick.

Sister one came with books in hand, not believing us that something was wrong with Dad. We did not know. We never had been through anything like this before. She did not believe until Dad got sick at Walgrens and the police had to be called. He went to Robert Young and she voluteered to attend to Dad while most of us c...ould hardly cope with Dad being sick. We heard the work "Dementia" for the first time.

Sister one quickly gained control of the situation, his medical attention. She stated to us that we follow her directions. In the days that followed, we were able to see dad according to the nurses direction. She quickly became enraged because we bypassed her. She came up to my face and told me that I had gone around her. She was upset.

While Dad was in the hospital, Sister one was insistent on finding the copy of the will. Since we were still in good terms, all of us quickly went through his files and found the will. She was delighted that we found it. I did not know her intentions and did not question her. After we found the will, she wanted to kno...w if a power of attorney was mentioned on it. We read the will and none were assigned. After she had the copy in hand, she did not want anything else. All his personal letters and cards, bills, personal items were thrown out in the trash.

I retrived these items in the alley later that day. After this, we had a meeting at sister two house. Power of attorneys were to be assigned as part of the agenda. It was agreed that sister one would take care of the bills of my father, I was asked to be medical and declined. The description was to handle the medical r...ecords for my Dad. Nothing was mentioned about changing the will or empowering the poa with controling authority over the family using techniques of abuse.

I went to visit Mom and said to me "Wait til you find out what your Dad did." I thought what could have he done. To my surprise, sister one was beginning her personal investigation into every matter my father had done. To no ones surprise, he had a personal account for his sister three. She turned my dad kindness into ...something of evil. Because he loved and cared for this sister, she decided to make it something she could defame him with. She convinced Mom that this was a terrible thing Dad had done. She made Mom feel bad about Dad. What kind of low life would do this? Who would take advantage of their sick Dad this way? He had no way to protect himself.

Because of his kindness and love for his daughter, she decided to use this against him. I was devasted what she had done. I bet most of you did not know this. My Dad told me over and over that money meant nothing to me. He loved his family so much. He would sacriface anything for his family. He told me it was his money... and he would spend it the way he wanted to. How would you feel if your sister did this to your sick father? How would you react? I decided to question her about her doings and conduct.

I found out that Mom had made some visits to the lawyers office. She said she did not know what she signed. She just signed it. None in the family were notified of this, it was all done secretively. I was determined to ask her in front of Dad and Mom. On an early morning, I asked her what was going on. What did mom sig...n at the law office? Why did you defame your father and what other investigations are you doing? She quickly became defensive and said it was none of my business. She frightened Mom with her reaction.

In order to intimitate me she picked up the phone and called the police. She said "there is a disturbance at 143-6th St.. My Dad was out of the hospital by this time and was sitting at the table. l went over to him and told him that sister one had called the police on me. I could tell by his facial expressions that he ...knew what was going on and he was hurt. She immediately came over and said "Why did you tell him?"

My mom was scared and sister one continued to whisper in her ear. She left as I was sitting there waiting for the police. They never came. I ask you, would you just keep quiet as you found these things out? Sister one quickly gained control of my Dads assets. She sent out one financial notice stating that if you dont l...ike what is done then its just to bad. As I understand it, if sister one can not conduct her duties then it goes to her daughter. How wrong is this?

My Dad was a kind and generous man, he had orphans he supported in other countries because he was an orphan himself. Sister one changed the will to meet her needs, influenced my mom to sign it and we have no say so. What would you do? If your sister, did this? No, I will no longer keep quiet. This is what my sister one has done to my Dad. Until tomorrow...

Another Close Call Dad....

Dear Dad,

Thank you for inspiring me to call mom. If I had not called her, she could have died in her bedroom like Aunt Toni. As you know, my sisters have locked me out of the house. I have no key for an emergency just like this. They knew this but took the chance just so I could not be in your house. Anyway they can hurt me, they will. In the end they will hurt Mom in their behavior. Hopefully, you can watch Mom and protect her from them.

As you know she was abandon in an airport and became lost. They were told not to do this but they did it anyway. No apologies were offered by either of them for their actions. They never do. They expect it to remain quiet and family members to keep their comments to themselves.

Also, Mom returned from Alabama and announced at the Christmas Party how dissappointed she was with those in Alabama. She stated aloud that they had lost their faith and their children had still not been babtised. She was very hurt by the visit. She mentioned to me that while she was watching her Catholic station that she was questioned why she was watchining this station in her house.

I ask you Dad, how can this woman eulogy my mother. Where will she get the gull and nerve to stand before God and represent all of my mothers goodness. A woman who refuses to say a rosary for you and mom. This woman will parade her self and her grandchildren on the altar and mock you.

Dad, I told to keep my mouth shut and not say anything. Just leave it in Gods hands as one would say it. Pretend nothing is happening. Sort of like, physical or verbal abuse, or alcholism, just ignore that it is happening. But no Dad, I will not keep quiet. We have been robbed by these two sisters of everything you represented. All your goodness. It is truly sad....

Your Son

We love you Dad...so much. We miss you...Mi vida, es tu vida...

Second Anniversary of Dad's Passing..."Have Faith in God... Look upon each other as brothers and sisters, equals and unidos, a family of families.

The Terronez Family will be honoring the memory of Rosendo I Terronez with a rosary and dinner at Rosendo and Gloria Terronez's home. A prayer for Dad will be at cemetary at 6pm, a rosary at 7pm lead by Fr. Alfonso Garcia of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and a tamale dinner following. It will be a peaceful and reflectful time for the family in the memory of their father.

Please bring an offering for the priest in an envelope, your own beverage and desert if desired.







Lyrics | Brave Combo lyrics - Volver, Volver lyrics




My Dad is with My Lord, Jesus...He is so happy to be with him finally. All his suffering his over. He told us to have faith and will also be with him someday.

My Dad wanted for us to look at each other as brothers and sisters, without malice, as equals and unidos as one family, a family of families united. He wanted this more than anything. The Christmas Party we had at Project Now when we sat all together and put him and mom on the head table he said "Just like this, I could stay here forever. We were all together on one table. He loved to see us together. He meant the world to him."

In Preparation for your Memorial Day, Dad...

Dad,

You loved Fall. Raking all those leaves from Mr. Welch's trees. You had so much fun burning all those leaves. I would come up the alley and see you them. You and Gloria raked and burned those leaves together, she remembers. She said after you were done she would make your coffee and both of you would sit in the swing and sing mexican songs. We saw these decorative leaves and knew you would like them. So we decided to put some leaves on your stone. They really are so beautiful and remind us of these memories.

Your loving son,
Chendo
We have not forgotten you...

In Remembrance of Pedro Terrones November 18, 1891 -October 7th, 1970 - The Beginning of all our Dreams...Remember Him

Pedro Isabel Terrones
November 18, 1891 - October 7, 1970

In Remembrance of Dad

In Remembrance of Grandpa Pedro Terrones. He was pioneer who ventured away from his homeland with a dream for a better life...the dream began with him. Please keep him in your prayers on his passing, October 7th, 1970.

Grandpa Pedro had a sad life and made sacrifices so we could have better life. He left his homeland to work on the railroad in Silvis, he was deported in 1929 back to Mexico. After returning, he decided to give up his American-born children to his Sister Maria Sierra so they could have a chance for a better life. He was unable to cross the border again to return to America. He also lost our Grandmother Juana in childbirth at the border. He lived as a widower in Laredo, Mex without his children until he was old. My Dad and I went to Mexico and brought him back with us. He died here in 1970. The family should give a moment of silence for the man that changed our lives, he sacrificed himself so we could have what we have today.

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.