I’m dead serious about this. Ask anyone who knows him or has spoken with him for more then 10 seconds and they will confirm that he is the greatest human being on the planet. First of all, he’s Cuban and was born in Cuba. When he was about eleven and living it up in a mansion complete with a maid and car service, Castro decided to take over and start killing people in the middle of the night for no reason…oh and he decided to take all their possessions and freedoms so my grandparents thought it best to get the hell outta there.
Just me and dad hangin’ in the 70s!
They actually escaped, thriller-movie style, in the middle of the night on a small plane. My father had to be put in a storage trunk (to get through airport security) and could only take a few personal items. Worst of all, he had to leave his dog Rex behind. When I was eleven, I threw a fit if I had to leave my house for 30 minutes, without at least three toys in my hand! Not my dad, he sat quietly in the carrying trunk until it was safe to come out, at which point they boarded a plane and flew over the ocean (my grandmother would later claim that she swam to freedom but that’s another blog…) until they reached the Florida Keys. My grandfather had a friend in Hartford, CT so they slowly made their way north. They were dirt poor for a very long time, never re-gaining the wealth they once knew in Cuba…not to mention they didn’t know the language or the American culture.
So, now you know just a touch of my dad’s history, and the reasons below will prove the title of this blog. And, if after reading it, you’re still clinging to some notion that you know a better, kinder, happier human being…then you’ll just have to meet him.
10. My mother died of cancer when I was 17 and my brother was 19. My father was completely devastated and became both a mother and father to us and did a better job then most fathers I know. To this day, 20 years after my mother’s death, he can’t talk about her without crying. Not tearing up but crying. He’s ALL heart!
I love that my mom is rockin’ a fro!
9. When I graduated from college and wanted to move 3,000 miles away to California his heart broke at the thought but he told me to go! He wanted me to experience everything that I wanted to do. He has never been a selfish father (quite the contrary) and is the living embodiment of “if you love something, set it free.” He did, and I came back.
8. He smokes Cuban cigars (of course!) and drives a black convertible Mustang on the weekends. He will happily share his cigars to anyone who asks and will do the same with the Mustang. To my dad, possessions are just that, and he loves to share. I’m hoping this trait rubs off on the twins soon…minus the cigar smoking.
My dad is happiest on vacation with his family.
7. Jesus once asked himself “What Would Alex Do?”
6. Since English is his second language he often gets confused with American slang. Once, when he was feigning anger at my uncle he said he was going to “go down on him.” Um, nope, you’re not doing that. He also told a business customer that they should have a “three-way” with the customer’s wife at an upcoming dinner. Um, if you do that, I don’t want to know about it.
5. He never swears. I’m not sure where I got my truck driver mouth but the worst thing my dad says is “balls!” or “son of a bingo!” He actually yells it and pounds a fist on the counter. This is the only way we can tell he’s really upset. It happens about once every decade.
4. Last year, I asked him (pleaded, begged and argued my various points!) to vote for the presidential candidate I wanted, as we were not in agreement. He did it and afterward told me it was the “worst day of his life.” Please see #10 where my mother died in his presence. The point is that he will do absolutely anything for me, even if he doesn’t agree, when he knows I’m passionate about something. It’s just another way he supports me and this is one example among thousands!
I really should just get each of you your own iPad.
3. My dad hands out gift cards like candy, especially at Christmas. He’s the type to tip everybody and he especially appreciates those who have thankless jobs because he’s picked tobacco and worked at Radio Shack. This past Christmas a co-worker of his told him that because of his generous gift card, her kids were going to have a better Christmas. He cried telling me this story and said it was such a gift to him to hear that!
2. His dream vacation was to go with his entire family, and especially his four grand kids, to Disney World. That dream came true this past January. Everyone on the trip, at some point, wanted to get on a solo flight home because we were with four kids under the age of five at freaking Disney World! Not my dad, he loved every minute and he is a hands-on grandfather.
This is one way to get high with my grand kids!
1. I know this as a fact: My dad loves me unconditionally. There’s no better feeling in the world. He recently sent me an email saying that the twins were the greatest gift I could have ever given him. I can’t make this stuff up!
Super dad, super man and super partier!
I could count 100 more ways but the point is, every single day I am grateful for my dad. Who needs Father’s Day? And, because he is super human, I’m convinced he will live forever. Happy Day Dad! I couldn’t love you more!
If you know my dad – give a shout out. If not, tell me why your dad is the greatest!
Oh wow!! Your dad sounds so sweet!!! Beautiful blog! I hope he reads it!
Yes, my dad is really great to and means the world too me. Almost lost him to a heart attack and stroke this April but he is still here and doing better than he’s been in a long time! Golfing, bowling, treadmill, bike. He’s not messing around!
Happy Father’s day to our beautiful Father’s!
Thanks Cheryl! So glad you have your dad here for another Father’s Day…and that he’s REALLY living now – golfing, bowling, treadmill, bike? WOW! There’s nothing better then a fit and happy dad. Enjoy your day with your dad and they rest of your great family!!
Yes! I agree Allie! Thank you :-)!
Dear Allie-
What a wonderful tribute to your dad. [I know Lito feels the same way].He is wonderful person! I remember how he would make my mom laugh. I have so many fond Cape Cod memories I couldn’t even begin to list them. I have been so blessed to have the Capo clan as part of my life. May you all continue on your life journey until one day you are all reunited with your beautiful mom in heaven-I hope to be there with you all too.
with all my love, Janie
Thanks Jane! You’re right – too many great memories of our summers on the Cod! That was definitely one of best times in my parents lives and you were a HUGE part of that. Thank you for still being a big part of MY life. Love you Janey!!!
Alex is one “wild and crazy guy” and the most generous man I know. Have a wonderful Father’s Day!
You know it Jimbra! Have a great day with your GREAT dad!!
Allie!! This just made me cry!! I couldn’t agree more, I am honored to know and have had the opportunity to spend time with your amazing dad!! He’s truly an inspiration! Lots of love to you all! Xoxoxo
Thanks Jess!! We love spending time with you guys. You have a beautiful family!
What an amazing journey your dad had, explains why you are who you are today. Truly an inspirational family.
Awww thanks Marisa! You really need to meet my dad – he would LOVE you:-)
Alex is the BEST!! Matt and I just love him to pieces!!
Thanks Jen! I know he feels the same about you both!!
Love you both!! I remember number 7 well. The Sunday Jesus came to church and asked himself that question blew my mind.
You are a jackass and I love you!
Allie your dad is the coolest dude on the planet and I really think you are not only a terrific person but one hell of a daughter to express your feelings for your dad in such a way that even people who don’t know him personally can get a taste of what an amazing person he is!
Your (how’s your (w)hole) family dynamic is one for the books and what a lot of people only dream of having!
Tell your pop I said happy father’s day too 🙂
love ya kid!
Noel – You are awesome. Period. Thank you so much for just telling it like it is. You have a pretty great family yourself…and Mike & I consider you part of our WHOLE family:-) I will pass the message to my dad. Love you!…now get out to Vegas and get yourself somethin’ real nice!! ha ha
I attest that Alex Capo is the nicest man-dad on earth aka teddy bear..He welcomes everyone with open arms and of course his warm hospitality. .Allie you are lucky! And the pic of you with your Mom and Dad..ummm can I say hi Miles/Vaughn..holy crap they look like you! Happy Fathers Day Alex..
Ha ha – thanks Julie! You know my dad loves you!! And YES, there is NO denying who my boys belong to – we could all be triplets:-) Have a great father’s dad with YOUR dad who is amazing too!!
Okay…I’m typing through tears here. Your dad *is* the greatest human being on the planet. This is the sweetest and most wonderful Father’s Day post I’ve ever read. I just love it. (and I want to be part of your family!!) Happy Father’s Day to Alex who obviously embodies fatherhood in every conceivable way!! –Lisa
Aww Lisa, thank you SO much! He truly is such an unbelievable Dad & I wouldn’t be who I am without all he has taught me over the years. I really appreciate you taking the time to read this and to say such wonderful things! Thank YOU!…and Happy Dad’s Day:-)
Allie- what an amazing article! Now that I am
Sobbing my eyes out, I can’t help but agree with every point you made. All the times I’ve explained the situation of how my aunt Andrea passed away and how my uncle Alex never skipped a best where as most men would move on to a new family, they are all floored! He is such an amazing and heartfelt man and I’m sure miles and Vaughn will turn out just like him. I love u ! What an amazing amazing tribute to him!! Xoxo
Thanks Lindsey! Once your daughter is born you will have a whole new respect for your parents!!
Allie
Please forgive me ..~ This is my 1st blog ever!… Not sure what I’m suppose to do, so I guess I’ll just “talk” (hum there’s a surprise )
Having known your father way before you and Lito were born (back in the early 70’s) I too can attest that he is the greatest guy (next to my 4) on the Planet!.. He is truly the most unselfish, and aspiring person that I know. Nothing is impossible for “Uncle Pow” !.. He shows you through his unwavering courage and attitude everyday (“its’ all in the attitude!”~~an Alex’s euphemism)
All of the above is so true about him~We ALL Love him in our family!. You probably could keep writing 100 +
things about him and have no trouble doing it!.
You are amazing also Allie.!.. (There is that word AGAIN!.).. What a writer you have become, and what a beautiful gift you have given him by expressing your love openly~ Most children DO NOT verbalize how they feel about their parents, because it’s not cool.~ You have given him a wonderful tribute and left nothing unsaid!. You have all been through alot and you all really appreciate and love each other (which is wonderful) b/c you have experienced such a terrible loss. You “get it ”
Let this tribute to your dad be a message for ALL family members to let go of all the silliest and resentments that keeps them at bay.. Life is so short, as you know, and it can all be taken away in a heartbeat!.. How sad to waste all that energy on “Silliness” and things that happened in the past~ Be accepting of one another and be loving!.. Family is everything in this world !.
I’m so proud of you Allie ~ Your father too is a very lucky man to have you, Lito and Joanne !..
Love ya
Auntie Carla
PS. .Yes.. You made me cry AGAIN .!
PSS I hope I did this blog correctly…. if not I’m sure my sons will let me know !
You did good Auntie Carla!! I love you so much. Thank you for understanding & always being my rock! If you’re not careful, I’ll write a post about YOU!
OOOPPSSSey !…. No please don’t.. and NEVER any pics ! haha
You are motivating and inspiring…..now I see where you get it from!!!!
Thanks Amy! I definitely owe a lot of my attitude and perseverance to my dad.
What a tribute to your dad, Allie! He really is one of the nicest, most generous people I know, and so welcoming to everyone. You are a lucky girl!
Thanks Sheri! We are very lucky to have him. He’s definitely one of a kind. Thanks for visiting and commenting!