In Memory of "Juanito" John Baldridge Wolcott

It's been six years today. I miss you very much and think about you daily. Love and respect.

Taken from Mexico's "Gringo Gazzette" written by Mary Jane Healy:

Gringo Gazette North Article

John "Juanito" Wolcott, 59, Supported Drug Treatment Centers
Well known addictions counselor in Ensenada

BY MARY JANE HEALY

John B. Wolcott, known as Juanito to his many friends, died in an automobile accident Tuesday, February 21 on the south bound toll road in Rosarito. Family and friends learned of his death February 28th after friends notified his family that he hadn't been seen or heard from in a week. Juanito was 59 years old. His untimely death weighs heavy in the hearts of his family and friends who loved and cared about this great man. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Juanito retired to Ensenada from Huntington Beach about 6 years ago after raising a family. Juanito grew up in Minnesota where his father was a Minnesota State Senator. After graduation, he worked at Xerox and Eastman Kodak in Chicago and then in Southern California.

Juanito was well known and liked in both the American and Mexican communities living in and around Ensenada. He had a hearty laugh, kind heart and a mischievous smile. Everyone knew and loved the big guy! He was a great conversationalist as well as a great singer. Juanito was well known at the Bahia Hotel for his fabulous karaoke voice and the patrons clapped and cheered after he sang one of his signature Elvis songs.

Juanito helped raise money and support for several Mexican Addiction Treatment centers in Ensenada. He generously volunteered his time to teach the residents English to enhance their working skills when they left the treatment facility. He also helped others in need when everyday difficulties surfaced in their lives.

Juanito is survived by his Mother, Margaret, his brother Ray (both of Escondido California) and his three children, Matt, and J.P. and Kimberly, and many good friends whose lives the big guy touched.

Mother's day is coming upon us....What does that mean to you?

Mother's day...

If you asked most people what "Mother's Day" means to them, they would start to go into a long story that sounds like Tupac's "Dear Momma".

I love hearing it too. It's unbelievable how when we grow up we start to truly realize the importance of those who put their children before their own lives. It's tough when you are young because you don't really relish on the importance of what your "Mom" gives up for you to flourish.

"Mom" is the one that is always there, the one at your game, or your play, or your science fair, or your play..."Mom" is the one that tells you everything is going to be ok, and has the shoulder to lean on when things are tough. "Mom" always has the answers, and most times, "Mom" is the only one that can make you feel better when things are not going your way. "Mom", being short for "Mother" which basically encapsulates the meaning of a nurturing bodyguard that will be there NO MATTER WHAT.

For me personally, my "Mom" was not my mother. My Father was my "Mom". When my mother decided she didn't want to be a mother anymore, he gave up everything to make sure his kids had the same love and affection with or without their mother. Raising 3 kids from ages 6-10 by your lonesome is tough thing to do for any single parent. But I have to give my Dad extra props, because no matter what his kids were 1st priority in his life.

Every year since I was 11 I gave my Dad cards/presents on Mother's Day. He played the role of both parents and I truly respected that. It wasn't easy, and as a family we had to put in a lot of work to make sure we were all taken care of. But that was it, that was our gang. All for one and one for all.

To this day, nothing can break the bond of my sister, my brother, and I. It's something I can't really explain to anyone. Other family members outside of our circle have no idea what we went through and how connected we are.

I digress....back to my original point- There are a lot of people out there that have had "Moms" that were not their birth mothers. Grandmothers, GreatGrandmothers, Aunts, Sisters, Friends, Neighbors....Basically what I am trying to say is that Mother's Day isn't just for Birth Moms. Just as Father's Day isn't just for Baby Daddy.

That being said...I want to say "Happy Mother's Day" to my father John "Juanito" Baldridge Wolcott. The single greatest man I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. You stepped up when she stepped down, and you did it all to make sure that your children would understand the importance of love, compassion, loyalty, and family.

Rest in Peace Pops, we love you very much...Happy Mother's Day.

Friday Favorites 18

Miss you dad...