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October 2009
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Have you ever felt like you have so much to say, but you don't know where to start? Well that's how I feel right now. After all our community has been hit hard by tragedy theese past two weeks. Personally, the past 14 days have been the most difficult period of my life. The day after I lost four colleagues to a tragic helicopter collision, my father died. And just last week, I found out the optimism that I had defeated cancer was a bit premature. The doctors tell me my cancer is growing and I will have to undergo more treatment. But I don't want to focus on the negative. Instead, I'd like to share with you, what I consider, the most important lesson my father taught me before he died. And how that lesson is helping me cope with the loss of my friends and the fear that cancer can trigger. First of all, allow me to introduce you to my father. Frank Camacho was born in 1921 here in Phoenix. He never knew his biological father who, according to family legend, probably was killed in the Mexican revolution. My father was a man of extraordinary intelligence. But because of the depression, he never made it passed the 8th grade. In fact, by the age of nine he was working full time in the cotton fields around Laveen while attending elementary school. He was beaten and verbally abused by his step-father. My father did not live an easy life. There were many disappointments in his life. But he rarely talked about them. My father was a success as a cotton farmer....until he lost everything in 1960 through a tragic combination of circumstance. My dad was happiest growing things. He truly was a "man of the earth." In life, my father was fighter. He had to be in order to survive. His death mirrored his life. It was a struggle. About ten days before he died, an extraordinary event occurred. As he lay struggling to survive, In so many ways, my dad had already said his goodbyes to us. One of the things he said repeatedly, was that his biggest regret was not being the best person he could've been. You see, my father was very human and made many mistakes. A few days later, he died. His death came the day after my friends perished in a horrible accident. He died a day after a Phoenix police officer was gunned down in the line of duty. With all the grief, it took me a couple of days to see the gift my father had given me. This simple, humble often grumpy man reminded me that, with all its heartbreak and disappointments, life is a beautiful and wonderful gift from God. It is a treasure that becomes apparent with a grateful heart and a willingness to take responsibility for your life. Which brings me to Jim Cox, Rick Krolak, Scott Bowerbank, Craig Smith and Phoenix police officer, George Cortez. Of the five, I knew Jim and Rick the best. I know they lived life like it was a gift to be savored, enjoyed and not wasted. Virtues they had in common with Scott, Craig and George. My heart aches that these wonderful men are gone. But I thank God for their lives and the fact that I could call Jim Cox and Rick Krolak friends. For me at least, it makes their passing a little less painful. All of these men lived full lives. All too brief, but full nonetheless. I hope their families can take some solace in that knowledge. I mourn them, as I mourn my father, with love and gratitude in my heart. It is love which will keep them alive in our hearts and in that wonderful gift of memory. In the catholic funeral service there is a beautiful line that says " Live has not ended. It has merely changed." The way they lived their lives inspires me as I prepare to do battle with cancer. They remind me that life is a gift from God. They remind me love is so much more powerful than anger and hate. They remind me that people are loving and caring. I'm amazed by the outpouring of community support. I know cancer will never win, no matter what happens. I want to thank all of you who so beautifully have expressed your condolences on the death of my father. Words fail to convey how much your expressions of love have meant to me and my family. 11 CommentsLeave a comment |
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Many prayers, Frank. I am so sorry for your losses - all of them, but especially your father. I too lost my dad, whose presence and joy for life was so powerful that I still, after 5 years, can feel his influence on me, my family, and my community which he helped to build from nothing.
Your positive outlook is admirable, and know that attitude will help you defeat the cancer.
God bless you,
Jane Ward
Page, AZ
Dear Mr. Camacho:
I was very sad when I read about your recent loss of your father, in addition to your beloved compadres. I am even sadder upon hearing that you are battling cancer. Next week I will be a 10 year survivor of breast cancer. I was one of the lucky ones. I hope and pray that you will do well with your treatments and that you will again beat cancer at its game. I have watched you on TV for many years and have a great deal of respect for you and your work. Please take good care of yourself. May God be with you along this new journey.
Christy
First and Foremost my deepest condolences to your family and your family at 3TV. What you have done to raise awareness about prostate cancer is inspiring. My father was just diagnosed last week with prostate cancer and would like to possibly speak with you about it. We (my mother, sisters and I) have come together for him but it would be great to have him hear from someone who has been through what he is going through. I would greatly appreciate it if you could email me and let me know if this would be possible. You and your family are in our prayers.
Dear Frank,
I'm very sorry for the loss of your father and your friends. I admire you very much in more ways than I can write. You are an inspiration to many and I pray that you will beat this cancer. Keep up the good spirits and always know that God has a plan for all of us here as well as with him.
God Bless you and yours always.
I'm not sure why some of us are given so many challenges at one time. I have a dear friend who he too has had much to deal with this last year. You are an inspiration to hold your head up and show everyone how to be strong through adversity.
I have watched you on the news for many years and I know that I will watch you for many years to come.
Our prayers are with you,
Susan in Surprise
Hang in there? We will be praying for you. Sorry to hear about your dad and all the four that died in the helicopter crash. It is hard, just hang in there and keep your good spirit. Con Dios y la virgen todo se puede. (with God and the saints you can do it).
Mr. Camacho,
I want to express my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. I also extend my condolences on the loss of your four co-workers/friends. I did not know of your father's death when I watched the memorial service for Jim and Scott. As the camera panned those in attendance, it often stopped at your face. The sorrow written on your face brought me to tears. And now I know the rest of the story (to quote Paul Harvey). Please know that there are many others out here who don't know how or where to contact you, but want you to know how much they care about you. Cancer is an ugly thing. As a nurse, I have seen so much and lost so many. It may rob you of many things, but it doesn't have to take your spirit. Mr. Camacho, please don't let it take yours. Your passion has always made you one of my favorite reporters. My prayers are with you and your family as you prepare to do battle once again. It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game. You have always had such dignity and compassion. You are already and always a winner. God bless you, Mr. Camacho.
Dearest Frank,
I am so inspired by your words! I too have suffered tragedies in recent years. I too have loved and lost and I too have learned so much. I lost both my parents 5 months apart to the day. Before them, my father-in-law and most recently, my wonderful and loving mother-in-law. My children have lost all four grandparents! We also lost a nephew to cancer at 19 and a close friend of my daughters' to leukemia at 9! I lost three close cousins suddenly and tragically in 3 separate instances. All of this in the past 6 years! They are al terribly missed and mourned but especially for me, the loss of both my parents has had the greatest impact. "Who do I belong to?" "Now who loves me no matter what?" It's definitely been tough but I have taken great strength from the quiet lessons they taught me throughout my life. My mother came here from Mexico in 1960 at age 31 with her young son to offer him better opportunites. She worked as a maid and nanny then a cook and later became the head chef at Los Olivos Mexican Patio in downtown Scottsdale. It was there that she met my father, a Frenchman. Dad had been raised in a monastery and was studying to be a priest.He was in the states on a retreat and when he took one look at my beautiful and charming mother he knew he was in trouble. After much soul-searching, he chose to leave the Church and asked her to marry him. They were shunned and ridiculed but they forged ahead and managed to buy their own home. In Scottsdale! In the 60's! Later, my sister then I, came along. As a kid, I was confused as to why my family was so different from everyone else's. Neither one of my parents ever learned to drive. Mom was 41 when I was born and she never learned to speak english (Dad spoke 7 languages so imagine THAT accent!)My friends' GRANDPARENTS were my parents age and they all had expensive homes with at least one, if not TWO, cars in their driveway. My friends never had to go with THEIR parents to parent/teacher conferences to TRANSLATE and THEY didn't have to WALK to get an ice cream cone at Thrifty's. But they also didn't get to enjoy that long walk back home holding their mother's hand or racing their dad from stop sign to stop sign. Sure they probably didn't have to take vacations through the Greyhound bus system but they also didn't get a chance to travel with strangers who by the end of the trip were more like friends. We may have missed out on some tings but we gained so much more. Though we were tremendously loved, life was far from easy in our home. Dad, who never forgave himself for "turning his back" on God didn't allow himself to give fully as a husband and father. He became an abusive alcoholic and my parents were divorced. Mom did not resent him nor their failed marriage and encouraged us to do the same. My mother was the kindest, most loving person I will ever know. I can't tell you how many people lived in our home throughout the years. My mom took in and nurtured all kind of down-and-outs. From struggling single moms to runaways. She welcomed all- the hungry, the cold, the hot... She was a champion of the underdog and often fed and clothed the homeless, always taking great care to not humiliate or embarrass them. All these people along with relatives and even neighbors were there with my brother and sister and me when Mom took her last breath. What an amazing gift! My mother passed away on Good Friday in 2002, the day the gates of heaven are wide open and all of heaven is celebrating! As Catholics, we believe this and I believe that it is no coincidence that this is the day that God chose to take her Home. Mom taught us to love and be unconditional and to always, always pray. God is good Frank as I'm sure you know and it is to this God that I pray for you and your family and friends during this trying time. Things will be great. Your angels and mine are looking out for you and will get you through. Just think, who better to protect a son than his own father and yours is now in the best, most positive and powerful company of all! Please know that there is a family in Scottsdale who cares deeply for you and who wants all the best for you and yours. Adelante amigo y que Dios te bendiga! Roxanna Lara & family
Frank,
I was reading your recent blog posting about all the tradgey in your life recently. I am so very sorry to hear about the cancer. I recently had a scare with cancer, I have a very dear friend that went thru it three years ago and we continue to keep our fingers crossed and prayers stated to GOD.
I lost my maternal grandfather when I was 24, I was very, very close to him. He had a similar life to your fathers life. My grandfather was irish. I also lost my baby brother at the age of 34 to cancer and AIDS. He always told me to live your to the fullest each and every day for you never know when God will call you home. He did so many great things in his young life. I have never forgotten those words HE left ME. Sometimes when I think life has me by the tail I think of him and his trials and tribulations and I kick myself in the tooch and move forward. I must, you see, for him. Just as you must for your father and Jim, Rick,Scott and Craig. Keep your self going and I will include and your family in my prayers. You will be fine, you are in Gods hands and he knows best.
Sincerely,
Terri
Scottsdale, AZ
Hello Frank:
Your blog was very touching...my father is fighting prostate cancer too, I know that it is very difficult physically and emotionally. I wish you all the best with your treatments and your fight. Seems like you already know how precious life is and you are a very grateful person. My prayers will be with you.
Jan Lynch
Gilbert, Arizona
frank, first of all i'm 33 years old. i've
watched you on T.V since i was a little girl..i remember you went to my grade school.."EDISON ELEMENTARY" gosh i must of been maybe in 4th grade,., you may have been a judge for one of our programs we had..what i want to say my thoughts and
prayers go out to you and your family..It's been a touch year for you be strong.,.,also my condolence go out to you
sorry to hear about your father.,,jmmartinez sept.12,2007