Here’s to a long life
Six children and a strong wife.
20 grandchildren
18 Great grandchildren… I think it is, if I didn’t mess up
Could of seen your great-great grandchildren if Jo jo would just hurry up.
But that’s only half the story
Not even half the glory
Of my grandfather, Damaso Basco
Patriarch of the Basco Family
Glorious lifetime that spans nearly a century
You made being a Basco feel like being a Kennedy
One of the most important parts of my identity
And I wear it with pride as were left to carry on your legacy…
I often wonder how you survived World War II
I can’t imagine the things that you went through
But the greatness in me, is the greatness in you
And I recognize & see the distance between
Pittsburg, CA and Pangasinan, Philippines
Is the same distance between
Pittsburg, CA and the face of a Basco on the movie screen
See, the greatness in me, is the greatness in you
I guess my grandchildren
Are going to have to find a cure for cancer or walk on the moon
And best believe they will all know
That it started with their great-grandfather Damaso…
& even now you live on
In Dulce’s wisdom
Dayo’s patience
Pinky’s beauty
Danny’s mischief
Duke’s athleticism
David’s golf swing…
& Barbara- that’s another story of its own
The true measure of this man is the treasured gift of his family and home.
And Grandpa, I honor you in this poem
But while your up there, have a drink with Grandpa Joe and play a round of golf with Uncle Dom
So now it’s time to say goodbye
Don’t mistake my joy for sadness if you happen to see me cry
As we celebrate your amazing life
Me, I apologize
For all you grandsons that did not become “The General”
like you wanted & this is something I’m not used to
But Grandpa, I salute you
& thank you
Rest in peace
The Great Damaso Basco
