Bruce Apazeller Charity Fundraiser

As most of you know my father Bruce Apazeller passed away this Saturday. He was a lung cancer survivor and has battled the disease for the last 6 years. He did this for his family and his loving wife, my mom. And all the while he did this with a smile on his face.

So in lieu of sending flowers  we decided to do something for the greater good. I know that's what my dad would want us to do.  We would like to raise money to donate to a Lung Cancer Association to help others to sustain life.

You see my father knew about hard work and dedication being a 28 year veteran in the Air Force ending his career at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He joined the military at 18 years old and served in the Vietnam War. He did this at  a  time when being military was frowned upon, but he did not waiver from his beliefs. He was brave and served his country to preserve the freedom we enjoy today. After his military career was up he did not sit at home and relax as part of the retired life, he moved on to his 2nd career working for the Kansas City Sounthern railroad. There once again he started at the bottom and rised through the ranks to be an Engineer. The one thing he liked most about the military and the railroad was the Brotherhood.

I know this might be off the subject and I might be rambling but I want to bring a part of his life to your attention. My father was born in the latter part of World War 2 and so was my mother.  After my dad join the military and did his stint in Vietnam he wound up eventually stationed in Japan where he met my mom. These are two people that started their lives on two opposite sides of the world and on two opposite sides of the war. The chances of them meeting was slim to none. It looks like slim won and therefore I am eternally grateful. You see there's a lesson that needs to be learned with this story.  In today's age and in the news the world seems to be full of hate over each other's indifferences. We need to stop, take a moment and breathe because someday that group of people that you lash out at might be the same group that you find your soul mate in.  My parents are living proof.

My mother made my dad the complete person that we all loved and admired deeply. I love her dearly along with rest of my family. Please take the time to hug your family a little tighter this Christmas and open your heart. God bless you all and Merry Christmas....