Joseph Babauta Memorial Service
Donation protected
My father, Joseph “Joe” Mesa Babauta passed away on Monday morning, November 30, 2020. For as long as I can remember, my dad’s life was guided by the pull and the push of Guam’s sunlit tides. He was a powerful swimmer and skilled fisherman who was only ever truly at home when he roamed the tides and reeled in his catch of the day. Sadly, my dad is now one with the ocean.
Growing up, my dad was my source of pride and comfort, especially when I think back to when I would sit in his arms as a child, watching the sun set into the sea, eating his freshest catch, and listening to him croon:
“I was once like you are now, and I know that it's not easy
To be calm when you've found something going on
But take your time, think a lot
Why, think of everything you've got
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not”
When I entered the Air Force and moved away from Guam, my father and I grew apart, but I never forgot that loved me. He loved me when he taught me that material goods don’t shape my life. He loved me when I learned to not let life weigh me down. And he loved me when he reassured me my sexual orientation would never change how much he cared.
His death was unexpected and has been emotionally challenging for my family. Both my brother and I have to travel over 7,000 miles to Guam to hold his funeral, which will include a traditional nine-day rosary, mass, and socially distanced funeral service. We want to cremate his remains and spread his ashes in the ocean, where he felt most free.
Chenchule’ (the act of giving) in Chamoru (Guam) culture represents a support system of exchange in which families express their care and concern for each other, as well as a sense of obligation to each other while working together to help families meet their needs. Chenchule’ can come in the form of monetary gifts, contribution of food or supplies, or acts of sincere labor. My dad was deeply rooted in exercising chenchule’ to support friends, family, and complete strangers.
We ask you to share in that spirit of chenchule’ and donate to my father’s funeral service, if you are able, to help us alleviate some of the funeral expenses. For those who are not unable to able but would love to show support, we ask that you join us virtually for his service (which will be posted when finalized).
My brother, the Babauta clan, and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your consideration during our time of mourning and celebration of my father’s life.
Si Yu'us Ma'åse'
Growing up, my dad was my source of pride and comfort, especially when I think back to when I would sit in his arms as a child, watching the sun set into the sea, eating his freshest catch, and listening to him croon:
“I was once like you are now, and I know that it's not easy
To be calm when you've found something going on
But take your time, think a lot
Why, think of everything you've got
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not”
When I entered the Air Force and moved away from Guam, my father and I grew apart, but I never forgot that loved me. He loved me when he taught me that material goods don’t shape my life. He loved me when I learned to not let life weigh me down. And he loved me when he reassured me my sexual orientation would never change how much he cared.
His death was unexpected and has been emotionally challenging for my family. Both my brother and I have to travel over 7,000 miles to Guam to hold his funeral, which will include a traditional nine-day rosary, mass, and socially distanced funeral service. We want to cremate his remains and spread his ashes in the ocean, where he felt most free.
Chenchule’ (the act of giving) in Chamoru (Guam) culture represents a support system of exchange in which families express their care and concern for each other, as well as a sense of obligation to each other while working together to help families meet their needs. Chenchule’ can come in the form of monetary gifts, contribution of food or supplies, or acts of sincere labor. My dad was deeply rooted in exercising chenchule’ to support friends, family, and complete strangers.
We ask you to share in that spirit of chenchule’ and donate to my father’s funeral service, if you are able, to help us alleviate some of the funeral expenses. For those who are not unable to able but would love to show support, we ask that you join us virtually for his service (which will be posted when finalized).
My brother, the Babauta clan, and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your consideration during our time of mourning and celebration of my father’s life.
Si Yu'us Ma'åse'
Organizer
Jonah Babauta
Organizer
Alexandria, VA