Steven Velásquez - Granting "Sirenity"

by Steven P. Velasquez Sept. 28, 2013 He sat in seat 11 at the window before the right wing (no pun intended) of the aircraft. The flight attendants smiled and silently illustrated the narrated safety directions. An American Airlines aircraft was parked beside him awaiting their passengers and cargo while the " Gate Gourmet " trucks fed the craft from the ground below. His plane began to taxi passing " Air India ," " Virgin ," and one plane with the NY JETS logo on the runway. He had navigated the roadway beneath the aircraft dozens of times in his mobile intensive care unit, but this time was different, this time he was a passenger and not a paramedic. As the attendant, who remarkably looked like his daughter Nicolette, gestured to the exits, his eyes welled up with tears and he wasn't quite sure why. Nicolette Velasquez teaches a CPR class for the deaf using American Sign Language (ASL)     The plane briskly accelerated and i...

My childhood home on Mountain Way in Rutherford, NJ My Japanese Friend     April 27, 2013 by Steven P. Velasquez   Once I was young, As you were once too, Turned many a page, You too, now have aged   When I ran, skipped and played, My face feeling hot, You offered me shade, home base, a cool spot   As my roots grew deep, Long, strong and wide Yours did so too, Mine from within, yours outside Oh beautiful friend, we've endured much together, Watched changing seasons, Harsh and warm weather Protect the next family, Watch over their lot, Offer them shade - home base - a cool spot

by Steven P. Velasquez November 22, 2012 Nicolette, my first born (now 16) When she was a little girl, every holiday was celebrated at her grandparent s' house.  Whether we were up in the Pocono's with Pop Pop and Grandmom or in Rutherford at Abuela and Abuelo's house.  Regardless,  the food was always delicious, the house warm and the family -- beloved. Abuela's Thanksgiving ham When she was a little girl, I used to hold her little hand and cros s her across this street.  Today, for the first time,  I watched her park her mother's car in front of Abuela's house. When she was a little girl, I used to pick her up out of her child se at from my vehicle and throw her over my shoulder with a blank ie. I'd hold her close and li sten to her breathe while protecting her from the col d.  Today, she lets herself in and out of the car on her own, and from the driver's seat (no more booster).

by Steven Velasquez July 7, 2012 A photographer can only claim to be one when they are ever ready to capture the moment.  They often have their equipment within an arms reach at all hours of the day and night.  They make awkward guests at your party because while everyone is laughing, dancing, drinking or frolicking about, they're up in the rafters composing their next shot, the party masterpiece.  They brazenly place their silly lens in your or your guest's face, sometimes much to your dismay.  You, not being a supermodel, feel uncomfortable and sometimes try to avoid them and their creepy cameras. Sometimes, they can be quite the nuisance!  And sometimes they're the authors of your photographic legacy.  They have masterfully and creatively bent light, isolated time, captured a moment in just a way that leaves you -- and others breathless.  They have composed an image that may serve as a family heirloom for generations to come.  And now, you s...

by Steven P. Velasquez Oct. 7, 2011 Few people in my life know that I’ve made some changes over the recent past and fewer still know why.  Suffice it to say the reasons are personal and it matters not who’s at fault.  When it comes to human relationships and parenting, the only people that truly matter are the children and immediate family members.  A little over a week ago while my Facebook account was blowing up with literally hundreds of birthday wishes (which I truly appreciate and admit they helped me greatly while dealing with said issue), my life at home had finally burst at the seams and required drastic change.  It was time to leave.  That realization was made years ago, but for reasons economic had not yet manifested.  Now, ready or not, it had just become too much and required immediate action.  Fortunately, thank God, my parents were kind enough to open their arms and say “Come home son.” Pay no attention to the ...

by Steven Velasquez September 16, 2011 With a deep sigh and a glance at the changing weather, it quite unfortunately is time to say buh-bye butterfly fries.  Peace out pretzels.  Ciao Kohr's custard.  Ta ta taffy and farewell to funnel cake.  We'll be back again next summer (God willing).  These thoughts rattled about my mind as I passed the closed shops and stands, during a cathartic stroll along the boardwalk at Point Pleasant this week. Point Pleasant, NJ Brianna enjoys summer's end at the shore It was ten years and a day after hate-filled terrorists scarred the beautiful mental landscape of serene summer's past.  Now, and I anticipate for at least the rest of my summers, the seasons' end will always lead up to a tear-filled week in September filled with hugs, fond memories, prayer and reflection.  Those were the reasons I finally took a night to myself and partnered with my youngest, my angel, for some salt-water therapy and the to...

Please click on the link below.  Watch it in its entirety, then read the article below .   Original video was shot by Jerry McCrea of "The Star Ledger" . http://videos.nj.com/star-ledger/2011/08/boonton_emergency_responder_i.html   A recent shooting of two people in Boonton, NJ as they walked with their three year-old son has left this Morris County town, and its emergency responders, reeling.  The event triggered the obligatory news coverage including the video linked above above.   A fellow paramedic called my attention to the video he posted on his Facebook page.  He was deeply disturbed by the video.  There were already over 25 pretty angry responses insulting, shaming and blaming the EMT for perhaps a bit more than she could possibly be responsible for.  There were insults to her speech patterns, calls to remove her certification, eliminate her from the field and some other unsavory comments too. Typical responses from a group ...

By Steven P. Velasquez December 16, 2009 A Holiday story of songs, food and mucho machismo! As we approach the Christmas holiday, tales of lore are passed from generation to generation maintaining years of tradition and keeping Christianity in the mouths and hearts of the current. This story my friends, will not be one of them. Last night I attended the "Holiday" (watered down, sterile, non-denominational, non-offensive, sanitized word for CHRISTMAS) concert of my daughter Nicolette (13). She and the combined musical talents of the Nazareth, PA Middle and High School's serenaded us for an hour and a half. They sang songs from different languages, countries and religions. They incorporated musical instruments at different points and belted out some beautiful solo's as well. A proud father I was when in front of the scores of caroling teens was my most beautiful, my first born, my Nicolette singing along -- in sign language. I had only seen her perform this way on...

by Steven P. Velasquez August 10, 2009 Two days from today, we'll be taking our daughters (18, 13 and 2) to Disney World in Florida. The excitement is reaching a fever pitch and the anxiety is palpable. I've promised my daughters since they were babies that we would someday go see "The Mouse." For one reason or another, the finances or time or some other factor always got in the way of what other people make look so simple; a family vacation. During all that time (14 years now but who's counting?), there have been trials and tribulations, problems, crisis, poor report cards, incomplete homework, not coming home at the time they were supposed to, arguments, and rooms not cleaned! You know, the rigors of parenting! We're no different than any of you. Alas, the day has come. The day two parents are to keep their promise to their younglings. This year we thought would be special because, Samantha (my oldest) has graduated high school and will be attending col...

By Nikki's Dad July 20, 2009 Dear Nikki, Tonight is an important night for all of us. Your mother and I find ourselves in an awkward position as we've spent the past thirteen years trying to guide and raise you and to always be a good example for you. Tonight you've reversed the playing field as we believe you - have become a good example for us. Tonight our little girl is no longer little as you've made a conscious, adult decision to travel to a foreign land, without the security of your parents, without our influence either, for this you've come upon - "all by yourself (your famous line for every one of your accomplishments as a baby)." My mind goes back to when you were your little sister's age (2), how hurried you were to shed your youth. You wore Mommy's shoes, Daddy's helmet and anything else that you thought made you "a big girl." Here you are at 13 (just barely) and you're so filled with love and compassion fo...