Hi Apa Just to let you know that I am doing okay.  I have my good days and bad days.  There are so many memories of you every where I turn.I'm doing things that you used to do around the house and you hating the fact that I would not let you do much anymore, but you still managed to do it when I was at work.  I remember when you would seat in your chair outside and I would be cutting the grass or watering.  You would tell you are good there is no doubt about it. I think of you all the time and with the holidays coming up I will miss you even more. I try to be strong and not get very sentimental but I am sure there will be some tears.  Say hi to mi ama I miss you both very much.  You are our angel in heaven keep Stephen under your wings.  That he does well in his future. I Love you and miss you lots.  Happy Thanksgiving.  Tu hija Gloria

Hi Daddy, I want to thank you for always being such a great dad to me.  I have often been asked if I missed my biological dad since he passed away before I turned a year old.  I always said, "no, I have my daddy with me."...YOU!!!  You took on a huge responsibility and raised me as your own.  I am forever indebted to you.  Thank you for always guiding me and setting me on the right path.  I love you so much and think of you each and every day.  I will miss you during this Holiday season but will try to focus on the good times and not the loneliness that I will feel without you.  I know you're in Heaven with grandmother.  Give her a huge hug and kiss from me and the kids.  Always in my heart...Gogi

    Was it Coincidence, Fate or Faith?
In times of suffering and grief, all of us look for compassion from friends, events and surroundings. As our family seeked answers to our many questions and compassion on the approaching death of our beloved Apa, Jose M. Porras,we were presented with some very special signs of compassion from our beloved Apa. Without hesitation, we all believed that these signs were signs that Dad was sending to us to let us know that he would be in God's arms very soon, that we would be fine in his absence here on Earth, and that he would always be watching over us. What signs am I speaking of? Coincidences, Fate or Faith; that is my question.
DNR: the acronym for Do Not Resuscitate was a very new concept for all of us. Dad wore a yellow arm band with the acronym DNR written in black during the last days of his life. We thought we knew what it meant, but did not really understand what all it encompassed. We dealt with some disturbing issues in this process that made us very uncomfortable. We asked our own selves, "did we make the right decision to place him on DNR." Art had the Power of Attorney. God Blessed him for taking this huge responsibility and walked with him as he had to make some difficult decisions. He remained strong throughout the DNR period, as he would always leads in prayer. Thank You Brother ART, may God cotinue to Bless you always.
Sign#1: We received comforting prayers and words of confirmation from several people that came into our lives that we never called for or had ever seen. They all told us that we had made the right decision for putting Apa on DNR. Sister Marie and Sister Rita, sent by God or was it Dad, strengthened us through their uplifting and spiritual prayers. Our loving sister, Gloria, and Dad's care taker, set up a very inspirational and greatly appreciated meeting with her priest. Thank you Gloria for all that you did for Dad those 22 years of his life. God knows all you did and has all ready prepared a place for you in Heaven. When we met with Father Coindreau from William Beaumont Army Hospital, Father stood up and applauded our loving sister Irene when she expressed concern over our DNR decision. He asured us that in God's eyes we had done what was best for our Apa.
Sign#2: A male nurse at Las Palmas Hospital, who had not taken care of our Dad, came in and also told us we had made the right choice. Where did he come from?
A male hospice assistant at Hospice El Paso Compassionate Care Center appeared from nowhere, he saw his arm band and said that was the most humane thing we could have for our very ill Dad. He said many people do not want to let go and refuse to sign the DNR form. We saw him again right after our Dad's death, he came to prepare his body after death. Where did he come from? We now know where.
Sign#3: I had made a Clinging Cross out of pecan wood several months ago that I had been giving to people in need, I had one left over. Something told me to take it with as we came to El Paso soon after my Dad's first stroke. Dad clung on to it nearly three weeks without ever letting go. I know now that he was telling me to bring the cross to El Paso because he was going to need it. He took the Clinging Cross in his hand up to Heaven. I know that Dad carried the burden of the Cross of all of us and will continue, just like Jesus carried the burden of the Cross in his final journey for us sinners.
Sign#4 The Blue Book "Gone from My Sight" by Babara Karnes was Heaven sent. This book is a simple guideline, a roadmap, of changes Dad would experience in his final journey here on Earth. we had seen some crucial landmarks which we were not aware of, the signs that he had begun his final journey. It all started to make sense as we felt his comfort and pain.
Sign#5: My uncle, Gilberto, from California was not able to come see his vey ill brother. When our cousin in California went in to tell him of our Dad's death, our uncle said, "I know why you are here. My brother, Jose, has passed away. He came by to tell me that he was leaving this Earth and here to say goodbye."
Sign#6: A Rainbow glowed over West El Paso before the start of the rosary. How many rainbows appear in El Paso? How often does it rain? We know who sent it.
Sign#7: After having experienced several problems composing a memorial video for our Dad; which was played Reverently during the Rosary; my brother Art and my wife Myrna were able to complete it before the deadline. Their presentation was a spiritual, flawless, well done, greatly appreciated presentation of the life of Jose M. Porras.
Sign#8: During the Funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral (where Dad had been an Usher), my brother in law Tony and I saw a tear on the face of Jesus, on the crucifix that sits behind the altar.
I am sure that there were many more signs that others experienced. I believe Dad took care of us during his comatose state and continues to take care of us even after his death. I believe he got our family closer because of our constant prayers,rosaries and the singing of the Chaplet of the Devine Mercy, the music was recorded on the IPOD and copies of the CD presented to us by our loving sister in law, Aurora. He was a caring and loving father throughout his 90 years of life here on Earth. God bless you Dad, as you look over us from Paradise in Heaven, you in the presence of God, Our Savior Jesus, our Loving Mom, Consuelo Gonzalez Porras, and all our family up in Heaven. May you FOREVER REST IN PEACE!!!

PARA QUE VOY A NEGARLO: Dad it has been very difficult for me to write to you. I miss you dearly. You were a great Father to all of us. I learned the best from you through your tribulations and celebrations. I learned the meaning of work, through your hard work and dedication. I especially remember that at a very young age you taught me to apply myself, when you would take us to get the broken ice blocks for la cantina, the Border Cafe . I learned from you that nothing was impossible for you and all it took to make things happen was to apply yourself, use common sense, cuss a little and with the help of God, all things were possible.
ME EMBORRACHO PORQUE SUFRO: I miss you very much. It was very hard to see you suffering those last few days, especially since you had been in good health for 90 years. I loved very much and miss your phone conversations. So, how is the weather in Heaven? Do you get the Weather Channel there? Do you get to see golf and la negra that plays tennis?
PORQUE TRIGO AQUI EN EL PECHO MUCHAS GANAS DE LLORAR: You have left a big void in my heart. I know you are in a better place in the company of family and especially MOM, but that does not make things any easier for me here on Earth. I will miss you very much. I know you longer suffer and that God has given you back the body of a healthy Jose M. Porras. I know Heaven is filled with song and that your voice and song echoes throughout Heaven. Have you sung "El Rebelde" with all thr Gonzalez Clan?
TAN SOLO, TAN TRISTE: I can relate to the song you used to sing. I now know, how much you missed MOM and how you were looking forward to being back with her.I am convinced that when you saw her again, she was as beautiful as the day you fell in love with her. Hello MOM, ya llego PORRRAS.
Y VOLVER, VOLVER, VOLVER:Dad, Thank You, you have gone to Heaven ahead of us to help Jesus and his Angels prepare a place for us until we see each other again. I know that the place you are preparing will be part of Paradise especially because of your help.
GOD Bless you and all of us until were are on your arms in the presence of MOM, our savior Jesus and our Loving God.

Gloria and Family, May you find comfort in the days ahead.  My sympathy to you and your family from my family.  You will be remembered in our prayers. May God Bless You

Apa, I will always love with all my heart and never forget you.  I miss you so much.  I know you are at peace, but it is still very hard not having you at home, coming one door and out the other.  Say hi to mi ama love you both.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Grandpa, 
  You were a great man! Without you my dad wouldn't be here. You raised him with the most caring heart, hardworking man ever. Love you dad! For raising auntie as the best care giver for you. I couldn't thank her enough for all she has done for you. Grandpa I remember the song you would sing to us and to our kids (ding aling aling)your probably sing in heaven right now. The way you would give us the thumbs up when we dressed nice which I give you the thumbs up even when your laying at peace. Last Auntie would tell me he doesnt understand English unless you speak loudly to him so I end on saying I LOVE YOU GRANDPA AND WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU!

                    Love Lexi

Hey Grandpa, I want to sit here and just burst in to tears knowing that you are gone, but I can't because I know I should celebrate and rejoice for all of the good memories you gave me and my family.  Thank you for teaching my dad to become a man just like you were; without you, my dad just would not be the honest, loving, and hard worker he is today.  I know he is a spitting image of you from all of the stories he would tell me!  

I will miss seeing you in your chair, next to your tv, with the volume on full blast, but yet still humming the same tone.  Yes it was loud, but I would love to hear it one more time!

Grandpa rest in peace, we all love you and will miss you!  Thank you for everything.

Art, We are praying for you and your family for peace knowing that your father is with Our Lord. God bless you always. Marty and Ralph Loya

Tio,

I remember you always with a smile.
 
 May GOD Bless You ! 

Vicente Gonzalez Jr. and Family
(Willie)

Hi Daddy,

Here I am thinking of you every minute of the day.  You were my rock and you showed me to be a hard and dedicated worker.  You were always there for me, even when I disappointed you.  You were the greatest Daddy, Grandpa and Tata me, my children and my grandchildren could ever want.  

Thank you for everything you did for me.  I will miss you and love you always,  


Your daughter,


Irene Rios

OBITUARY

Jose M. Porras

March 20, 1921 – September 21, 2011

Martin Funeral Home

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