Tuesday, November 13, 2007

River Rock

Today we traveled to River Rock in Dad's car. I am not a big fan of Dad's Chrysler 300 but I enjoyed the final ride to River Rock. I love coming to California because Dad and I usually spent an afternoon playing at the Casino and eating a meal at River Rock. Dad was a supervisor at the restaurant. We always had so much fun playing the penny machines. Dad thought I had the gambling addiction! We were so touched by the response we felt at River Rock. Customers and employees were greeting us and wanting to share how important Dad was to them. We ate terrific food as employees from different departments of the casino spoke with us. We met those who worked with him on his last day, while others shared such kind stories about Dad. I always knew how sweet and loving his was, but to hear others share how their life is changed because of Dad was overwhelming. I don't know if Dad ever understood the difference he made to others. We cried and laughed together. They showed my mom his favorite slot machine...and while we played, Taylor sat in my Dad's chair at the table everyone gathered around during the work hours. Taylor started to work on the DVD we are showing at the service, other employees noticed his work and soon we had a crowd watching this amazing video that captures my Dad's personality through photos, film and music. After this very special afternoon and $100.00 richer from the penny machines, I stepped outside to the sun setting and felt so close to my Dad. I loved being in his surroundings and people that loved him so dearly. It was very healing to spend the afternoon at River Rock. We are returning Friday with additional family members for a special service for Dad. Thank you River Rock, for being so important to my Father!!!
I received this email from one of the employees.
Sundays were always me and his day. It was super busy in the restaurant, and i hate sundays there, but he made it so much more better. Being at the hostess stand teasing me and the others, it was fun. He would always send me back and forth to go check the T.V screen to see if our team the 49ners were going to actually win a game. As always they didnt but he was such a huge fan of the Niners. He loved them, and thats why i said on my headline. He has the heart of gold and red. ( Niner Colors ) His family was and friends and Us at the restaurant were everything to him and he loved all of us to the max! " Yeah, he truly was an Angel."
The last night i saw him was 2 days before he died. We had so much fun that night. I usually hate tuesday swings but he made it worth being there. The last thing i ever said to him before i left that night was, " See you Friday homie, you tha man you tha man." and he replied, " You bet baby! Thankyou for your help and see you soon." We did our little handshake and that was the last time i ever got to see him. I sit in my lunch room in our spot where him and I used to sit and take our breaks together from a hard days work. Sitting alone at that table is hard. As the door swings open back and forth i dont see him come through. From card dealers, to pit bosses, security officers, and slot key attendents, It is everyone im not hoping to see. Im waiting for that guy who walks in with a smile, nice suit, and sits beside me and eats up quickly a cup of cottage cheese before work time. Without Him is like a lake with no water, a storm without rain, and a feather away from its headdress. Heavenly Father has him with him and hes now another sparkling star added to the sky. He truly was a One in a Million. I know throughout this time of writing i didnt mention his name. But its because i wanted you to get a feel of who he was before you knew who it was."Yeah, he truly was an Angel." With that said, HOMER HUERTA.......I LOVE YOU I MISS YOU AND I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. YOU WERE MY FRIEND AND I WILL KEEP YOU CLOSEST TO MY HEART FOREVER. IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU. AND EVEN THOUGH THEM NINERS SUCK HOMIE, I WILL PRAY AND TELL YOU THE SCORE. I LOVE YOU HOMIE, FOREVER YOU STAY A FRIEND AND IN MY HEART........
-Lynnise Garcia

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