joserosales.m4v

Hello friends,

Thank you for taking the time to find this website. As you already know, Douglas was a special person. He inspired many of us to do our best, to be better people, and to not make failure an option. Most of you know that he graduated from South El Monte High School where he graduated with honors and then went on to St. Mary's College.

However, most of you don't know that Doug and I used to push a shopping cart to a laundry mat and to collect cans. We washed our clothes miles ways from our rental because we could not afford washing machines. We pushed our metal steed down streets and went dumpster diving for aluminum and glass "diamonds." We did so because our mother could barely pay the bills, let alone buy us "fun" stuff.

Our mother also took us to yard sales and bought us "new" school clothes every summer right before school. Doug and I always predicated what our Christmas presents were: socks, towels, and underwear. We got the same present every year because our mother got us what we needed, not what we wanted. It saddened her, when we politely said "gracias." She longed to buy us a new-shiny toy or nice clothes, but she couldn't. However, nothing brought more grief to her heart than when we hardly had food in the refrigerator. At one point we had only salt and tortillas to eat.

The city of South El Monte was no different than any other city, so we thought. We were welfare kids, wasn't everyone? Our limited perspective could have handicapped Doug. He could have let the song of failure lure him into temptation, like it does to many kids in the city. Doug did not listen, instead, he created his own tune: his own magic melody. I recall singing a similar song of success with and to him.

Most students viewed classrooms as dungeons and boredom. We peered through each door and saw opportunity. We knew that our mother, who worked three jobs at times, would not have it any other way. According to her, we had two choices: succeed or bleed. Well, neither one of us wanted to die by spanking. So, we listened to her song of school and opportunity. Our mother is the driving force that guided us to success.

Doug and I would not have made it this far. My brother fought courageously, even though he knew he was fighting a futile war. For six long years he suffered. For six long years he watched life happen. For six long years, our mother watched her son wilt like a beautiful flower. However, on Wednesday, he walked, ran, and jumped for the first time in a long time.

I know that he's working on his jump shot, running sprints, and working on his writing skills (yes, we used to even compete at that!) somewhere other than here.

I would like to thank my wonderful and courageous mother for her dedication to Doug. Also, my little brother David for not letting this moment define him and instead defining this moment as a turning point in his life. My wife, you are my sun in my universe. I love you.

George, Greg, Frank, German, David Taylor, Angel, Jaime, Carlos, and rest of you who showed Doug so much love, thank you. You are family. Please make sure to leave him a note and if you can, upload a picture or two.

I cannot say enough about my wonderful brother. Having the opportunity to shape his life was an honor. Doug, thank you for making me a better man.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• jose
• doug
• rosales
• south
• el
• monte
• high
• school
• st.
• mary's
• college
• football
• ALS

[bolodougie]

Lissett408...thank you for your comment. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of Doug. What an amazing person he was and continues to be in my eyes. It is amazing to see how much you think you love someone and then to realize a much higher level of passion for them ounce they are gone. My level of anger and frustration is indescribable. However, I have to choose to stay positive and live to the best of my ability. Thank you again

[bolodougie]

I love you lil bro!

[lissett408]

I knew Doug in college and he was such a character. Funny, charismatic and genuine. I am sad to hear of his passing. He had such a beautiful soul.

[erikabby1034]

RIP jose