Lisa Orellana
I'm Lisa, I am William Diaz's daughter. My father was a complicated man, he fought hard and he loved hard. He was a soldier in the Vietnam war. He went in as a young man in his prime and return with the trauma of war. However, that did not handicap him from excelling in his military career. He was a decorated soldier who served in the Special Forces. Outside of the military, he was a giver, helper, and cared passionately about people who struggled mentally and physically. He dedicated decades on inventing a contraption, he called the Paracycle, inspired by athletes in the Special Olympics. I wish I could see his dream through, but I am not a creative genius like he was. He also became a certified nursing assistant. He had so much compassion and patience in his heart.
I have some very fond memories of my father growing up. In Germany, we would play with tin soldiers from Kinder eggs, and he would look under my bed for monsters. I felt very safe and loved when I was with him. It didn't matter if he struggled financially, he made sure to make every visit a memorable visit. He took my brother, Ben and me to Lion Country Safari, swimming at my Abuelos pool, and my favorite was watching sci-fi TV, and movies together. I miss him, very, very much. I miss his jokes, his laughter, his company. I wish we had more time together but in the end he was ready to go. May his soul rest in peace and his memories live on. I love you Dad.