The Day of St. Fernando.

Every May 30th is Saint Fernando's Day which is my namesake.  I used to celebrate it every year until 1973, when my son was born and I realized my Name Day was a pointless celebration, but nonetheless, I always take a moment to pay my respects to my grandfather FERNANDO LLERA MATEOS who passed away on December 9th, 1956, when I was only 5 years old and whom I still remember fondly.

Here are some historical facts about the name Fernando:

Ferdinand III (Spanish: Fernando; 1199/1201 – 30 May 1252), called the Saint (el Santo), was King of Castile from 1217 and King of León from 1230 as well as King of Galicia from 1231.[1] He was the son of Alfonso IX of León and Berenguela of Castile.  Saint Ferdinand is the patron saint of Seville, Aranjuez, San Fernando de Henares, Maspalomas, Pivijay, and of several other localities. He is also the patron of the Spanish Army's Corps of Engineers, and engineers generally.

 St. Fernando III

My grandfather's headstone

ANTONIO 'S 9TH BIRTHDAY!

My little grandson is not so little anymore! Many happy returns, kid!

 

Kids ask the darnedest questions!

 

GRANDPARENTS DAY!

                                               Sometimes I forget I am now a grandfather!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

KING FOR A DAY!

May 30th is San Fernando's Day and since my grandfather was also named Fernando, I will be celebrating for both of us today. Actually, this date commemorates King Ferdinand III of Castile who died on May 30, 1252.  He was one of the most successful kings of Castile and in 1671 he was canonized by Pope Clement X.  In the United States, the city of San Fernando and the San Fernando Valley are named after him and placed under his patronage.  So, hail King Ferdinand!

HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY!

A Spooky Thought!

PLAYING WITH LITTLE KIDS!

The trouble of playing with little kids is that they expect you to match their level of energy!

My son Ricardo's Birthday!

My son's birthday is always a date that brings back fond memories of great moments we've spent together and a promise of even greater things for the future! Happy Birthday, son! Love you very much! Many happy returns!!!

ANTONIO'S 5TH BIRTHDAY!

My little grandson Antonio is now five years old! He's growing up so fast but I bet all grandparents feel exactly the same about their grandkids! And the very same question keeps popping up: where did all that time go? Well, that's really unimportant. What matters is the time you spend with your grandkids. That's a real and unique blessing and one has to make the most of it! Grandkids give you a totally different perspective about life. Antonio's journey is just beginning and one can only hope one is able to guide him and help him be on his way through life. Happy journey, Antonio! Happy Birthday to you!

YOU KNOW YOU'RE A GRANDFATHER WHEN...

You know you're a grandfather when you've had your nose tweaked, your hair pulled, your eyes poked, your ears bitten, your stomach punched, your crotch slammed, your clothes smeared and your feet stepped on, and still you enjoy every minute of it!

My Grandson Antonio is now four years old!

Becoming a Grandfather may be one of the greatest experiences not only in mine, but in anybody's life! There is something in these little kids that will carry on what you have begun to accomplish all your life. Someday I'll be gone but my son Ricardo and my grandson Antonio will be a part of me that may remain here longer and will remind people that once upon a time, I existed!