Date: June 12, 2014

To: Between the Bars
P.O. Box 425103
Cambridge, MA 02142

From: Librado Clemena, Jr. J-94579
Valley State Prison
P.O. Box 92 B4-18-3L
Chowchilla, CA 93610-0092

RE: (Reply ID: guja - Filindia) http://betweenthebars.org/blogs/518/

Dear Filindia:

Thank you for your reply. I am quite surprised that I have met someone who knows my family on my father's side. The more we communicate, the more interesting it becomes. I am hoping that we can eventually correspond without going through my blog. This would enable us to communicate freely and more frequently, as I have some questions that I would like answered if you wouldn't mind me asking.
Filindia, No, my mother is not Delia. My mothers' name is Martha. As for my Uncle Narcisco, as I had told you previously, I am not and have not been in contact with any of the Clemena's. I have always wanted some type of relationship with my father's side of my family but it never happened. I am now 53 years old and it's embarrassing for me to say that I don't nor have I ever met my natural father! It is heartbreaking for me to look in the eyes of my children and grandchildren and tell them that their daddy doesn't know any of the Clemena's and that all they have is me, their father!
I was well aware of the fact that my father lived in San Antonio, Cavite City, Philippines. I knew that he served on the USS Prairie and I knew about his wife Delia. If I'm not mistaken I have a brother that is the same age I am or a bit younger or older - he returned to the Philippines when my mother went into labor to have me because Delia was supposedly having her baby back home. This is what I was told, how true it may be, I'm not even sure of this! But I do know that I am a spitting image of my father! Even my Uncle Narcisco had told me this when I was younger and went school with his son (my cousin) Edgar (I think this was his name - it's been so long).
About my Uncle Mike, I remember my Uncle Narcisco telling me about him and how much he liked having me around, this is when I used to go around my Uncle Narcisco's home when I was like 7-9 years old. I vaguely remember the things I experienced at a young age, but I do remember all the good Filipino food I ate when I would visit my Narcisco's home. I also attempted to make contact with my father back in the 1980's when my Uncle Narcisco lived on Magnolia & Wardlow Rd. in Long Beach, but to no avail.
Do you know if I have a relative name Victoria Clemena or something close to this name? I ask because her name came up awhile back and this is the same name that my daughter Sophia named her baby girl. Filindia, please feel free to write back and send me some pictures, if you don't mind. I like to know who you are and what are your ties to my family. Please don't ever get offended when I ask you such a question - it's only a question, okay? :)
On this note, I'm going to close for now, but never forever! So, until I hear from you - take good care of yourself and hopefully I'll hear from you soon. God Bless...
Peace Always,
Librado Clemena, Jr.

P.S. Write Back Soon