A Daughter's Wishes for her Father

Last April 5, my father celebrated his 55th year in this world. Funny how time flies so fast. I remember the old days when he used to take me to school in my kindergarten and early elementary years. I grew up in an unusual set up where in my mother was the one who works and provides for the family. Although, she told me that my father used to work when I and my three younger brothers were still toddlers, I have no memories of that at all. I just have vivid remembrances of my father who stayed with us at home taking good care of us, feeding us, and teaching us basic household chores so we won’t depend on our helper. If for some, their mother is their first teacher, for me, it was my father. He taught me to read and write and I still remember those times when I would show off to my mother my progress in reading and writing once she’s home. Even though Papang hadn’t had the chance to finish college, his readings and information on a wide variety of subjects made up for his lack of formal education. He had adequate knowledge to guide us in our schooling. He passed on to us everything we need to learn whether in school or in our everyday life. The important skills we need to survive and perform the daily tasks with grace. The fact that he wasn’t the family’s provider didn’t make him less of a father in our adoring eyes.

Looking back when I was still young, Papang was quite a disciplinarian. He was hardly tolerant of our mistakes. Every mistake committed by any of us would be met by a blow of a stick or a belt. He was very adamant about us following his rules: we must be home before sunset; we must study and attend to our lessons every night; we must all try to learn and do every household chores; we must take good care of each other; share everything we have with one another (each of us must have an equal share of food, clothing, etc); never ever miss a church service (unless we are physically disable to do so). These were just some of those rules I remember. It is only now that I fully understand how hard it must be for him to hurt us to correct our misconducts and to instill in us the important lessons that would count very essential in our growing years. I now understand why there was a time when he was teary eyed explaining to us the reason why he had to beat us. I could honestly say that we wouldn’t be what we are today if not for my father’s incessant discipline. Now all those times have long been gone, but the lessons remain and would no doubt stay with us for the rest of our lives.

To my Papang who celebrated another milestone in his life on Earth I only wish I was with you celebrating your special day. Yet, certain circumstances kept us away from each other. Although it’s hard to accept, we have to live by the fact that I have to go away to find my own niche in this world. At times, I am happy that I live afar since I feel that the distance somewhat made us closer more than ever. Now we have no inhibition in saying "I love you’s" to each other, which was quite inconceivable when I still lived at home. Every text messages, phone conversations would end up with us saying loving and endearing words to one another. I have completely opened up to you –truly a milestone in our relationship. It was pretty obvious that I was a lot closer to Mamang when I was younger but now you’re both almost on the same level. Even when we're apart I take comfort in knowing that the special bond, caring and closeness between us will never change and will always be in my heart. I am so enormously proud of you Pang! If I were given a chance to be anything I wanted to become, there's nothing I would rather be...than your daughter and there's no one I would rather have ...as my father.

On your 55th year, I wish you the eternal wisdom to guide you in your golden years. May you be graced by God with good health so no physical disabilities would hinder you from performing your duties at church- which I’m sure is one of the few things that completes and gives you happiness these days. May you’ll be blessed with all the resources to strengthen the generosity of your spirit. I know that your love for Mamang is immeasurable and would even outlive you both but I still wish for your love of one another to become stronger and deeper for its the only sure thing that will sustain you when everyone leaves you and you’re bereft of every material things. May you’ll have all the necessary strength to keep on guiding us –your children- even in our older years because we are aware that our wisdom is absolutely incomparable to yours. You still have all the time in the world to make all your dreams come true; I pray that you continue reaching for the stars and I hope you realize that we your children will be with you on your journey to the top; I urge you to live your life to the fullest with no regrets, no what-ifs nor come-what-mays. These are my wishes and more for you my dear Papang.

Happy Birthday Pang! Beyond any words that I could even begin to tell how much, I hold you and your happiness within my heart to warm your everyday existence. I am just so thankful to the years that have given me so much to be thankful for. I love you always... ^_^

(My loving Papang & Mamang)

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