So, today was a very difficult day for our family, because we took Pop to Gwynedd Square Nursing Center. We know he will be better supervised and his pain will be better controlled there. We will all continue to visit him regularly and encourage anyone who wants to stop by to do so. The address is: 773 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale. He has moments when he’s confused and disoriented but he would appreciate the company, nonetheless. On a separate note: thanks so much to everyone who posted a story about our father. We got together last night at his apartment and had fun reading them. Please keep them coming. They provide a great source of support and laughter to us during this difficult time.

Tribute to Gilberto

Although Pop was a difficult person to be close to, many of us have a funny, unique or sentimental memory of him. At Rosi’s suggestion, I'd like to ask anyone who is willing to share it to post it on this blog site as a tribute. Just go to the comments at the bottom, type a memory that you feel comfortable sharing. I think it would be a great tribute to our dad. On moments that Pop is oriented and of sound mind, I'll share some of those stories with him.

A picture worth a thousand words..

So, Mama Catalina reminds us that you’re never too old to lay your hands on and pray for your son.


She even took out the oil and anointed him.

I love this photo. Patty took it TODAY!

Gilberto's Update

I wanted to provide you all with an update on Pop.


As you all know, Pop has fought a long and courageous battle with cancer the last 9 years. Now that his cancer has spread to his bone, Pop’s body is weary from the fight and is ready for some rest. Although Pop has lived far beyond his expectations, the doctors gave us an estimate of his prognosis and it seems to be several months.

To help Pop through this process; we have placed Pop in the hospice program to help Pop go through the remainder of his earthy life without pain and with dignity.

Since he lives alone, his personal care is at a level that we have taken steps to place him at Gwynedd Square Nursing home on Sumneytown Pike in Lansdale. We expect this process to take up to two weeks.

Currently Pop’s pain is pretty much under control. However, the medication has him at times confused and disoriented.

We are asking you all not to call Pop at this time since he does not verbally communicate well.

We are also asking that you wait until he is at Gwynedd Square to visit him. Currently he has visiting nurses, physical therapists, social workers and other care givers that keep his day busy. He obviously sleeps most of the time.

Once he is at Gwynedd Square, I will notify you all and you can take the liberty to visit him any time. We would actually encourage it.

Thanks to those who encouraged and reached out to our father during his disease. Keep him and us in your prayers.

With love and gratitude,

Jim, Tom, Ron & Patty



PS: This picture was taken at Pop’s last outing in June. It was Tito’s graduation party. Pop was so proud!