Emmanuel Janolo Narvaez Sr - 1938-2012
By Carina Narvaez For those of you who don't know me, I am Carina Narvaez..Manny's daughter in law. When Jay and I were just dating in college, he warned me that his parents were kinda strict..especially when it comes to girls because they didn't want him to have a girlfriend until after college. So I was terrified when he brought me home to meet them for the first time. But when I met them it wasn't what I expected. I was surprised that Dad welcomed me with open arms, without any hesitation or judgement. I was confused. I soon realized that it wasn't Dad who was strict...it was Mom! Mom was the one who wanted to know my credentials and whether or not I could live up to the Narvaez standards. I think Dad was just happy that Jay found some he loved and that I loved him back. And through the years, even though I was just his daughter in law....he always treated me like his own blood. A few months ago he invited us to go on a cruise with him along with his friends during the Union High School Class of 1955 reunion. Whenever he would introduce us to his friends, he would say, "This is my son, my daughter, and my grandkids" and he would say it so proudly. I remember one of his friends wanted clarification. Which one is your offspring? He would then explain, "This is my son Jay, his wife and my grandchildren."
Dad spent a lot of time with his grandkids. He was a part of their daily lives. We would go to his house all the time to eat. He always loved to cook for us and serve us food. But getting him to sit down and eat with us was a different story. He would always say he's not hungry or he already ate. In truth, he would much rather serve everyone first and make sure we all had enough to eat. And then when we were done he would come back and eat what was left over. He was selfless like that. He always put others before himself and he communicated his love to us through service.
Just last month we celebrated his 74th birthday. I remember that day because I gathered up the kids, bought a birthday cake from Baskin Robbins and told them we were going to Lolo's house. On the way there, the kids asked what we were gonna buy him for his birthday present. It was a no brainer. I told them we weren't getting him anything...because although he would appreciate anything we got him, I knew the thing he would treasure the most didn't come in a box all wrapped up in a bow. He was a simple man and was not materialistic. All he wanted was our TIME together. He was happy when we were at his house just spending time together, doing nothing, just being together and loving each other. He was happy just being at home eating leftovers and watching jeopardy as long as we were together. And that's how we celebrated his last birthday.
Although I will miss Dad...I take comfort in knowing that he left so much of himself in everyone he knew, and especially in those who were closest to him. I will always see Dad's ambition and determination in Eddie. When I look at Eddie, I know he takes his role as the eldest son with great responsibilty, leadership and care, just as Dad did as the eldest boy in his family. I will always feel Dad's unconditional love in Jay...who doesn't communicate his love through words, but through service to me and the kids and his commitment to provide for our every need. I am constantly reminded of Dad's loyalty to his family and his hardworking ethic through Eric. Whenever we need anything, the first person we call is Eric...whether it's watching the kids or getting a ride to the airport...we know we can count on him for anything and he is happy to help us. And everytime I see Eric pushing a lawn mower or taking out some tree stumps...I will be reminded of the hardworking man that Dad was. And last...as I see Mom and I watch how her 3 sons treat her with the utmost respect and so much tender loving care....I know that it's Dad who taught them all of these things by the way he lived his life.