Dear Martha, Twenty-one. A number that feels both like a doorway and a compass. As you step through it, I want you to know how deeply proud I am — of your character, your curiosity, your grit, and the way you carry kindness like a light everywhere you go. Watching you grow through childhood, adolescence,…
Family
A Letter to Elle on Her 11th Birthday
My Dearest Elle, Today you turn eleven — one more beautiful year of your life, one more milestone that fills my heart with gratitude and pride. Watching you grow into the amazing person you are becoming has been one of life’s greatest joys. Your smile still lights up every room, your curiosity still leads you…
Exploring the Wonders of The Lawrence Hall of Science
Recently, we visited the Lawrence Hall of Science, a treasure trove of scientific discovery located in the scenic hills of Berkeley, California. This hands-on museum is not just a place of learning but also a significant landmark in science education, offering both educational and immersive experiences for people of all ages, especially children. A Journey…
Ethan Turns 8: A Journey of Growth, Wonder, and Love
Today, my only son, John Robert Ethan, turns 8. Each birthday is a celebration of life, love, and all the memories we’ve shared — but turning eight is something uniquely special. It’s a turning point in childhood, a bridge between early innocence and the next wave of independence and identity. Today, I want to take…
Remembering My Dad: A Reflection on Fatherhood and Healing
A week ago, my father, Ernesto Luces Guray—known fondly as Ernie—passed away. He was 72 years old. Our relationship wasn’t perfect. For many years, it was marked by silence, estrangement, and unresolved tension. We both carried the weight of missed moments and misunderstood intentions. But in the later years of his life, my father began…
A Stellar Family Day: Exploring Chabot Space & Science Center
Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting the Chabot Space & Science Center, also home to the NASA Ames Visitor Center, nestled in the Oakland Hills of California. It was more than just a trip—it was an inspiring experience that sparked curiosity, encouraged hands-on learning, and reminded us of our place in the universe. A…
He Could Have Been 100 Today…
As I remember my late grandfather, Vicente Hernandez Guray, Sr., on what would have been his 100th birthday and nearly 40 years since his passing, I am filled with gratitude for the many lessons he imparted. A World War II veteran, a history buff, a lover of books, a farmer, and a staunch patriot, his…
Martha Turns 20! 2 Decades of Growth, Strength, and Dreams
Today marks a monumental milestone—your 20th birthday, Martha. I stand in awe as I look back on the two decades of life that you have experienced, grown through, and truly lived. The 20th birthday is special, not just because it closes the chapter on teenage years but because it ushers in a period of adulthood…
A Decade of Joy: Celebrating Beatrix Elle Iesha’s 10th Birthday
Today marks a significant milestone, one that brings a blend of joy, pride, and reflection—my daughter Beatrix Elle Iesha (or simply Elle) is turning 10. It’s a birthday unlike any other because the big “10” stands as a gateway between childhood and a blossoming sense of self. It’s an age where she begins to discover…
Celebrating the Global Day of Parents
June 1st marks a special day on the global calendar – the Global Day of Parents. This day is dedicated to appreciating the selfless commitment, lifelong sacrifice, and love of parents around the world. It’s a day to recognize the role of parents in nurturing and protecting their children, thereby ensuring the development of responsible…