July, 18th, 2020 in Killeen, Texas. He was loved by his wife Nery, his sons and daughters, nine grandchildren, followed by 18 great grandchildren.
My name is Alma Ojeda and he was my father, he came from a small and simple life. During his
childhood not everyone were allowed to go to school, but not for Blas he was determined, so by his own efforts he began his journey. He worked hard and made his way through as to be accepted at the University of PR, he had dreams on completing a career but also the military life was in his blood, so he joined the USA Army in the 50's.
During this time someone caught his attention, a young girl named Nery Lydia and it was only the beginning, so one day he decides to meet the family, but yes there was a but, grandma Maria, mother of Nery told them I will allow for you two, to become friends and if its destiny that you both belong together it will happen, so sure as the sun rises and sets, it was their destiny, so one day November 6, 1952 they got married and their song was "Blue Moon". They had 8 children, Albert, Maria, Lilly and Noreen, Carlos and two first born that passed away. During our childhood I remember that he always would take us for ice cream, he would take out of his busy time and play with us, be with us.
As I mentioned he was in the Army he fought in two battles, Korea he was injured and awarded with the "Purple Heart", in 1967 Vietnam injured and awarded with the "Silver Star, Bronze Star and the Purple Heart". The injuries suffered during Vietnam changed his life completely and as a disabled veteran another chapter begun. Doctors at the time said that his maximum life expectancy was 20 years, how little did they knew that he was a determined, driven, hopeful man surrounded by family and a miracle worker called Nery his wife, who became his voice, his fighter, friend, nurse and at a certain point mother, because of her he lived 94 blessed years.
So Dad loved sports, he even ran a marathon in his younger days, he was representing the Army, the race was at Ponce, during the race the running path was not clear and in in a quick decision he turned the wrong and long way, but surprise he got to the finish line and won first place, so yes nothing is impossible. He was a baseball fan, all I know is that he would sit with Mom and cheer all the games and he enjoyed those boxing events where you saw him throw punches in the air, like it was him in the ring. He would play Dominoes and he was an expert, he was good at blocking everyone, sure of his win that the game was his, how he laughed and his face said it all. So Dad still in his wheelchair kept himself busy, he would help with chores around the house, he even had his own vegetable garden and still to this today his avocado tree an example of the care and love he held is standing tall, strong like his memory, in our hearts. But then another challenge, Alzheimers disease came by, it was not easy, sleepless nights, memory loss and a lot of water playing but still it didn't take away his identity because he knew that he was BIas Alberto Ojeda, Master Sergeant, he still remembered his battles in Korea and Vietnam. Even with this disease he would have those moments of clear mind, many times sitting at the table he would watch through the window and if it was sunny, rainy or a cloudy day he would say, "hoy es un dia precioso, precioso de verdad". Few things for sure he was a positive thinker, caring, loving and so he enjoyed to be surrounded by his grandchildren (Jessika, Neryvette, Nieves Jr., Ada, Yaritza, Miguel, Ingrid, Carlitos and Millito), it was like a spark of life for him, all of the sudden he became one of them.
He was full of gratitude and he would tell you these words, "you are my number one" those sitting here listening to these words said by him, he told you all, you were his number one!
As I remember him, when it was time to leave, return to our homes his words would be" Que Dios todopoderoso te acompane siempre" a man of faith, a man that no matter if he was in pain he would say, "yo me siento bien, ciento por ciento". So much to remember, so much to be grateful for, his devoted love "te aprecio, mucho, mucho, mucho" and "thank you so much". This was Dad!
To you Mom, Nery, Mami, Mamita linda as Dad would say, thank you, for your love, your dedication for him, the battles of life, your support for him, on November, 6th, 1952 he made a promise to you, "to love, to cherish, to hold in sickness and in health unto death due us part" he kept that promise, 67 years and I have learned from both that we need to cherish every minute of Life. Love you both.
Lately during the day, during nighttime I look above just wondering do you see me, do you see us, desperately looking for your smile. Dad you will live forever in our hearts, we will always love you. Until we meet again ...
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