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My grandfather Thomas Rodriquez was born September 12, 1954, in Phoenix Arizona, where he still lives today. When my dad moved to Tucson he ended up staying. Moreover, He’s a proud father of two amazing sons and a beautiful daughter and now a grandfather to a whole crew of grandkids who love being around him and always wanna drive up to see him. My grandfather has always been someone who values family and thinks its one of the most crucial aspects in life as even he still visits his mother who just turned 91 this year. Moreover by leading in example he shows us that cherishing family even into the older years is what sustains happiness.

He also instills that hard work is also necessary which he also led by example by retiring just this past year! Overall he's a great person and has passed down many life lessons and examples to me and my cousins.

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For him and us family is the center of everything. He's stressed to us over the years over again that nothing in life matters more than staying close and supporting each other because at the end of the day we're gonna stay. Whether it’s birthdays, holidays, or just a weekend get together we know we'll have everyone together and are memorable. Each time we get together he makes sure family gatherings are a tradition we never lose because once that's gone we have nothing. So when he tells us stories about his own childhood and his cousins that are no longer around I just think he's preventing the regret he's felt not creating these same memories in his own upbringing. Moreover, I also consider since half the grandkids are in Tucson it makes it even more so a reason to make the most of what's there.

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He has well over 10 grandchildren with his first grandson being born in 1997, followed by his first granddaughter in 2001, and me in 2002. Since then, the family has grown exponentially with even more grandkids, and each one has a special bond with him. He loves being surrounded by them any chance he can, telling stories, and showing them the same values he taught my father and his other children.

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One thing that's always been a part of their lives is training and fighting. I grew up in a different time than my father and uncle and during those times they and my Grandfather explained that knowing how to fight was just something that was necessary and almost fun. He mentioned that Karate and physical training played a huge role in his life and eventually he trained alongside his sons, I'd hear stories about how each summer they spent time practicing together and training, even inviting neighbors and kids from the street to go in the backyard and just train and spar. Hearing about these times shows me that it was more than what I'd be thinking which that its just fighting and working out but to them that same exercise was ways to learn discipline, good bonding, and a way to pass on strength and confidence. Even now, he talks about how those training sessions brought the family closer and I'd do anything to witness that environment.

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During his early life he grew up during a time of big social change and remembers the challenges of the discrimination era and being looked at funny for playing with some of his friends. Despite that, he continued along his brothers to form strong friendships across communities and valued respect over prejudice. Respect is one of the most common things he brings up besides family. Moreover, one thing he mentioned that he found exciting was his memory watching the moon landing in 1969 with his parents he thought it was one of the greatest accomplishments of his generation and that it was unbelievable. Another key memory that happened very recently was that after decades of hard work with the city he finally was honored by the City of Phoenix, where a park was even named in recognition of his leadership, mentorship, teamwork, and commitment. He loves retirement and especially how it allows him to have more time to enjoy family, relax, and reflect on everything he accomplished.

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One thing I'll always remember was when I was starting high school! He said to me that Highschool is a very different place especially from the Catholic Middle school I attended. He mentioned to me a story about his own teenage years. He said he had friends who made poor choices and did things that were controversial and just mean. Whether actions or how they treated others and overall just took paths that didn’t end well. His advice was simple and he said “Just because people around you are doing something and they think it looks cool, doesn’t mean you should follow. Keep your head up and be me! make my own choices and stay true to yourself." That idea and thoughts still apply to me today and I will always cherish the memories and insight he's given to us.

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Music just like with me has always been a part of his life and a memory he shared with me was the times each sunday were he and his brother would listen to Zapp & Roger while playing poker and having some beers with the songs bringing him back instantly to those nights of laughter and fun with his brother that's no longer with us. For him, music is another aspect that's tied to family and good times.

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Zapp & Roger - All-Time Greatest Hits & More | Best of Zapp & Roger Playlist