Karen, I would like to apologize for ‘not moving’ the past few days. I believe I have a valid, though personal, reason.
At first, I thought of doing this review as soon as I finished reading the book. I got the book and started reading it on the afternoon of Jan09 (Friday), and finished on Sunday evening, Jan11. But just as I came nearer to the last pages, same as when I got to the part where Karen’s mom, Lenore, died, I felt so sad and missed my late grandfather who passed away 11 years ago. Jeff was born on Jan1998 and Lolo (grandfather in Filipino), after 6years of being bedridden, died in May of the same year at the age of 79. Jeff was only 4months old then. I am the first grandchild, and Jeff is the first great grandchild. I was Lolo’s favorite and I am sure, should he lived until today, Jeff will be his favorite among his great grandchildren too, especially that Jeff is a boy. Filipino fathers are proud of having sons/boys in their clan.
I still live in the same house where I grew up. The master’s bedroom that Lolo and Lola (grandma) once shared is now the room I share with my husband and our son. The room is at the second floor, so when Lolo was no longer able to get up and down the stairs, they occupied the open space near the dining room and the toilet and bathroom for easy access on everything. And even after Lolo was gone, Lola decided to stay downstairs because she already finds it hard to climb up the stairs. She is turning 89 on March, but still cooks for us and takes care of her garden just outside the house. Lolo was the first death in the family I experienced and at age21, only then did I understand how painful losing someone is.
Lolo owned a machine shop. He made things such as rubber rollers, iron moldings and other things out of iron, bronze and rubber as specified by his clients. While Harry made things mostly out of wood, I bet he and Lolo are enjoying a little chitchat in heaven about which is better – iron or wood.
I can relate to Karen in living with old family members. Filipinos are sensitive when it comes to their elderly. We don’t consider nursing homes as the first or only option; instead, we take care of our aging loved ones ourselves. Our family literally grew up and grew old together. When you go out this house’s door, you will find one of my uncles’ house next to us, and next to it is another uncle’s house, then next to it is another uncle’s house again, and next to it is an aunt’s house, etc. There are eight houses in all – side by side. In this house alone, there are four generations of us – Lola (89 on March), my mother (52) and his oldest brother (60s) who has cerebral palsy, me (turning 32) and my 2 sisters (25 & 20, the youngest is still in college) and Jeff (11). And most of my cousins are in the other houses, too.
The next thing I thought was posting this on Harry’s 2nd death anniversary, but Feb16 is too far. I can’t do that to Karen. So here it is, My Funny Dad, Harry – A Review.
The book was written by Karen Arlettaz-Zemek, Harry’s daughter, in his memory.
‘Tatanda ka rin’ (You’ll be old too someday).
This is what my youngest sister always tells me when I get irritated with things my grandmother does. Sometimes I try to understand her, but there will be times that I just can’t. An old mind and a younger one sometimes don’t agree.
The book, My Funny Dad, Harry, is written in diary style. Karen did a good job in telling things about her Dad and their family starting from her younger years up to the last days of his father. The book made me realize that there are things we thought about older people but really don’t understand – especially why they like to do things their way when it can be done a lot easier. Harry was a picture of a man who values hard work.
Funny, but with a heart. There are parts that made me smile and there are also those that made me cry. Maybe because I can relate to some of Karen’s experiences that it made me remember memories from the past and things in the present. There may be stories about cats, but it only shows more of what a caring person her dad was – both to people and animals. If he were alive today, I am sure Harry will be active in campaigns about recycling as what I learned with what he did to the empty orange juice cartons, cat food containers, litter boxes and papers from junk mails (photos are shown in the book).
My Funny Dad, Harry speaks of love, caring, values, sharing and a lot more. The author included some photos in the book which were chosen by heart for they show special events and memories of their lives.
Learning the life that Harry lived, there’s no doubt why Karen has become the person she is – one with a generous heart. Thank you, thank you, thank you Karen for sharing your family’s life through this wonderful, wonderful, wonderful book. A story about a simple man (and family) that will surely touch lives of many.
I have a copy of the said book. For orders and other concerns, please contact Karen Zemek.
