For my dear grandpa

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When and where were you born?

He was born in Meoqui Chihuahua, Mexico; on May 18th, 1952.

Did you have any brothers or sisters?

There are 12 siblings altogether. 5 brothers and 7 sisters. His home was always very crazy and hectic, with so many people.

What were your parents like?

His fathers name was Blaz Lara and his mothers name was Aurora Garcia. His parents died when he was very young, so he did not get to know them very well. His father died due to diabetes and his mother died soon after.

What were your hobbies or past times?

Since his parents died when he was very young, he did not have much of a childhood. He started working on the farm at a young and took care of his siblings.

What were some popular trends back then?

The bell bottom pants were definitely popular back then. They went out to the disco and showed off their moves.

Who were your friends growing up?

He did not have many friends growing up, but one very close friend he had was victor. They stayed in touch throughout their life, but sadly he passed away 3 years ago, due to cancer.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When he was young he wanted to be a farmer. He wanted to have his farm of his own and now he does. He tends his cows and other animals everyday.

What was your first job?

He started working on the farm when he was in 4th grade and handling his family soon after. The farm was all he had and he worked hard to take of it.

Did you have any pets?

Out on the farm, they had many pets. They had many dogs and my grandpa's favorite pet was his goat.

Do you remember your first date? How was it?

His first date was with Rosa Emma. They went to the park and just took a nice little stroll.

How did you meet your spouse?

They met through mutual friends on June 24th, 1973.

How old were you when you got married?

They got married after 2 years on April 10th, 1975. He was 22 years old and she was 18. They have been happily married for 41 years now.

What are some things you usually did with your family?

They would usually go to church together every Sunday and they still to this day go to church every weekend.

How many children do you have?

He has three sons: Rogelio, Jorge, and Carlos. Before them my grandma was pregnant three times but they all died due to some sort of complication. His three kids are now men and have their families of their own.

Do you remember the first time you saw a television or car?

Of course he remembers, he has always been fascinated with trucks and got to own his first one back in 1970.

What was the craziest thing you've done?

One of the things he remembers doing is cutting class and going out to the river with his friends.

Who is the person who influenced your life the most?

His father was the person that influenced him the most. He always saw him as a hero and admired everything he did for his family. He wanted to be just like him.

What is your proudest moment?

Happiest moment was the birth of his kids and now he is very proud of how great of people they turned out to be.

What is your biggest regret?

Not having a good relationship with his brothers and sisters. He also regrets not talking to them as often as he wishes they would.

If you could, would you change how you raised your family?

No, my kids are amazing people and they have made their own amazing families. I am content with how everything turned out to be.

What were the hardest choices you ever had to make?

The hardest decision by far has been to sell his family's farm in Mexico. It was so important to him.

What are your favorite things to do now?

Now he tends his cattle with his kids help and feeds his cats every morning. He also enjoys spending time with his kids and grand kids, they make him very happy.