About my father

Born on May 27 1934 in the small country town of Garanhuns in Brazil, my father was one of the twelve children of Olindina and Oscar Paes de Lira. Together they were a close-knit family even after they went separate ways. He was the last of the seven boys to die, being survived by two sisters. He spent his childhood up to the enlisting age of 18 years old in the family’s plantation, Sitio Flamengo, which he never let go from his heart. He described the land of his birth as a beautiful and fruitful place where coffee, sugar, tropical plants and flowers were abundant. He often told us stories of those days: the creek that cut the land through in which he loved to bathe, the simple country life filled with horses, farm animals, oxen pulled carts and green hills beyond view. At the age of 18, he took the steam train to the big city, Recife, travelling alone to enlist in the military as required by Brazilian protocol. He talked about that trip with pride and awe, describing the fear and excitement of venturing out into the unknown. Once the train arrived in the capital, he headed out to meet family members and an older brother, who helped him get settled and fully enlisted in the Air force. His life in the city officially started after that. He would never return to live on his birthplace. During his service time, he met Sonia Maria, our mom, the love of his life. They got married on December 30 1962 and soon after started stablishing a family. They were blessed with six children. After his military duties were completed, he worked as a civilian for a few years until he entered the Police force, which he dutifully and honorably served for over 30 years, retiring as a commissioner. It was not an easy career choice, often marked with challenges and hardships. However, he loved his job and all that it entailed. He took passion in loving and protecting, never allowing corruption or insubordination to get in the way of his duties. A man of honor, dedicated to his family, my father never measured efforts to provide for our family. Together my mom and dad raised six of us, from which I am the oldest; Sandra, Sergio, Olindina Mary, Zuleika, Marcelino and the youngest, Reison. The family has grown to include six grandchildren: Johnny, Julie, Daniel, Christian, Anthony and Claudio. He loved his children unconditionally. We were far from being a perfect family, but we knew that God had put us together with a purpose and that our father was there for us. He was proud of the fact we always stick together no matter how far we may be from one another. Humble, he never spoke highly of himself always referring to him as a public servant. Yet, his colleagues, friends and everyone he met were impressed and touched by his smile, kindness and joy de vivre. He had had a lifting word and a term of endearment to all he loved. Towards the end of his life, he met the Lord and became curious about the Word, about prayer and learning to trust in God. He confessed Jesus as his savior about 10 years ago on his 70’s. As he aged, his spirit became pliable and willing. As his body started to fade, his faith began to grow. He experienced his share of sadness and pain in this life, but his strong will and strength made us believe that all was well with him. We really thought he would carry on forever. Fathers never die, right? Destiny proved us wrong. The isolation of the Covid era, the uncertainty of these days coupled to the frail state of his body became too much for our old man to bare. Not feeling well, he asked to be taken to a hospital on the middle of the night of May 29, and on June 1 at 9 am, he breathed his last. That was 5 days after his 86th birthday. Now all we have are the memories of the strong country boy who left his hometown empty handed, just to build a life of respect and honor in the big city. We are proud of him and we are thankful that God chose him to lead us in this planet. His love will be a banner that I will carry forever. His beautiful easy smile, his funny stories and his unbeatable sense of humor will keep my heart warm at every thought of him. See you in heaven. Te amo, papai. – I love you, daddy! Sandra Lira Rodrigues