Keeping up with the Mesquitas: My Tata

On May 16^th, my world as I know it changed. I now live in a world where I no longer have my Nana nor my Tata. I never thought that day would come. My grandparents were always there for me and my family. They were supposed to live forever. That’s what we all think. But, that’s not the case. We will each be called one day to spend eternity with our Lord. That time has come for my Tata.

My Tata wasn’t perfect. But he was a perfect Tata. He was there to care for us, get after us when we needed it, feed us when were hungry, move the antenna so that we could watch a different channel on the TV, but most of all to love us. I know he loved me. He and my Nana loved unconditionally. They were not putting on a show or pretending. They loved us all.

Both my Nana and Tata were born in Christmas, Arizona. But they didn’t meet until almost 18 years later when they both lived in Ajo. They married and started a family. That family grew . . . 8 kids, 14 grandkids, 26 great-grandkids and 13 great-great-grandkids. He had lots of extended family too. No disrespect to his brothers and sisters, but there was one thing I constantly heard . . . my Tata, Tio Joe, was the favorite. He is now with many of his family members who have already passed, but he leaves behind many others, too. One special person is his baby sister, my Tia Carmen. Those two had a special bond and you could see the love they shared. Even though my Tata is gone, Tia Carmen you are not alone.

My Tata taught us what it means to be a hard worker. He worked from the time he was a teenager. He worked the fields around the west valley, and then he and his family moved to Ajo, when he worked for the railroad. He became foreman and had that job until he retired 44 years later. I used to love waiting for him to come from work because I’d either get a ride on the little train or get to take his lunch home.

He also had a great sense of humor. Every day he’d have a new joke or riddle to share with us. Always making us think. Here’s one of my favorites:

Railroad crossing, watch out for the cars, can you spell that without any Rs?

Tata – you will never be forgotten. Give Nana a big hug from me. Until we see each other again. I love you!