19 July 2010

Last Flight



In Loving Memory of Our Brother Dustin Rabe
There are no words to describe the grieving process, no rhyme nor reason cannot completely provide peace or comfort.  No amount of "whys" or "how comes" could be justified.  My brother died today. My dear brother, Dustin Rabe.  He was so young, at the age of 29, he had the whole world ahead of him.  A young pilot with a thriving business (http://ferryflightexpress.com/aboutus.aspx) ferrying planes all over the world, a brilliant entrepreneur and businessman. And my brother did it all by himself with the good guidance of those that loved him dearly. We are so proud of his tremendous achievements, of his sweetness, his compassion for others, his passion for life, travel and planes.

We all grieve today for a great young man who loved to fly the blues skies, who loved his family, friends and collegues...his voice, laughter and physical being that lived to the fullest heights imaginable.

When we close our eyes and think of you, Dustin, we are reminded of your vibrant spirit, your dimpled smile...oh your smile...we are so grateful and so very honored to have you in our lives.

It is with bittersweet sadness that we Cheers to you this day dear brother...for always chasing after your dreams, for your fearlessness, your kindness and compassion, we will miss you... till the end of time.

There are no goodbyes dear brother...we will see you again...in time, with your wings in flight...

May God comfort you and keep you in his loving and merciful arms and may peace reign in the hearts that miss you dearly.

Dustin's last flight and news report
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N882X

Dustin Rabe, on his first Pacific hop
San Francisco to Coolangatta Australia via Lima Peru

Dustin Rabe & Friends

Mom and us three, Dustin, Brian and Me
Love always and forever,

Your Big Brother, Mark

15 July 2010

A Day of Reflection

Today I attended the wake of my beloved cousin whom we so endeared and called Ate (meaning big sister in tagalog, pronounced, At-(e)) Pixie.  She was the eldest of us and always the elder cousin, made sure us youger ones were taken cared of and fed and safe. She died suddenly this past Sunday at 50 years old and the news took us all by suprise, she was and is loved by so many.  300+ people attended the wake at the Chapel of the Chimes funeral home in Hayward and so unfortunate in events such as these, mini reunions of years gone resurface and conversations start where they left off. Life just past us by.   As much as today was a difficult event to attend, it was like a homecoming of sorts, to see my dear cousins, Maryann, Vic, Eileen, Claudine whom I had so many childhood memories, now we all have children...such beautiful neices and nephews we have. 

Hesistantly I gave my eulogy, cathartic as it may, I shared my story of my Aunt Letty, Pixie's mom and how proud she was of my Ate Pixie and funny memories of me at 10 years old being pushed in a shopping cart for the lack of will power to walk home.  It was funny, yet I missed to say the most obvious of all...that her tenderness and pure kindness of heart was the cornerstone of her legacy she leaves with me.  How her wonderful son Justin, spoke of her so thoughtfully and shared the core of who she was...a child at heart, best friend, supporting and loving mother, wife, daughter, cousin...

This day evoked so much emotion and messages: time is precious, laugh often, nurture relationships, family is golden.

Tomorrow is the Funeral Mass for Patricia Zapanta (Pixie) at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Union City at 10am. 

05 July 2010

Happy 4th Birthday Miguel!

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Happy 4th Birthday Miguel!
Monday, July 5th, 2010

Golden Tee Golfland
http://www.golfland.com/
2533 Castro Valley Boulevard
Castro Valley, CA 94546-5407
(510) 537-4073

03 July 2010

Papa's Birthday Celebration!

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Happy Birthday Papa!
Saturday, July 3rd, 2010