A belated thank you for Papa

Sometimes, we fail to thank the people we are most grateful for. We forget to acknowledge their existence in our lives and we take them for granted knowing that they will always be there for us. But now, even though it is already a week late, let me say this: Thank you Papa, for everything that you have done…

1. for the faith…

I was eight years old when I joined a beauty contest. I was too young then but I remembered it all too well. We all freaked out because I didn’t have a presentation for my talent portion. I stubbornly won’t dance and my tone-deaf voice won’t do for a singing talent. Mama was almost ready to give up, but you said I can do a declamation piece. They all doubted it since it was a two-page piece and I wasn’t exactly the ‘actress” type, but you were so confident I can pull it off that I ended up grabbing the Miss Talent award.

2. for the encouragement…

Remember the time I took the UP High entrance exam? It was one of the most nerve-wrecking experiences of my life but I made it to the list because of our pep talk over a glass of calamansi, our every-night review, and your endless encouragement that only  a father can give. You made it all possible, Pa.

3. for the trust…

They said an only child’s life is a well-guarded tower. But not my life, it wasn’t. I grew up as a normal teenager. I was allowed to do sleepovers and even bailed out to attend discos and parties. I witnessed my friends as they tiptoed around their houses just so they could come, as I thank my lucky stars for such understanding parents. I asked you once why you give me the freedom to do almost all the things I want, and you simply smiled and said “Because I trust you.”

4. for the freedom…

Getting into college is one of the stressful experiences a student would undergo. There’s the choosing of school, of what course to take, and of what clubs to get into. Most of my classmates said it was their parent’s choice, but not in my case. I knew you wanted me to be somebody someday, and that you had a course in mind for me, but you never voiced it out. You made me decide on what road to take to be that somebody you wanted me to become. And though I am still not that “somebody” you wanted me to be, I want you to know that taking up Journalism is one of the things that made me happy- still makes me happy.

5. for the comfort…

When mama died, I thought I would die with her. I was certain I could not make it, and that I wouldn’t have a life without her. But you were there and you never left me. You were always at my side comforting me, assuring me that we can make it, and that together we will move on for her. Your condolence was the only thing that felt real at that time. You were the reason I moved on, Pa.

6. for being my No. 1 fan...

It wasn’t the editor who first read my first ever published article, it was you. You were my greatest critic and at the same time my most loyal fan. You never failed to give me a piece of your mind about my articles. You always tell me what you feel and think about it. And that has helped me a lot in my craft. You helped me improve on my writing and you helped me grow as a writer.

7. for the support…

Marriage isn’t exactly easy. In fact, I can say it is downright difficult. But I managed to be sane and have survived the trials of my marriage life because of you. You never failed to help me in all my undertakings. You were always there for me. Whether for a sound  advice, or for a simple treat to the movies.

 8. for the care…

Kids, kids, kids. Who says they never tire you? Well, they don’t. You are the greatest Daddylo any kid could have. The love and care that you bestowed my kids are priceless. The time you brought my son home when there was no yaya to take care of him, the time you cancelled all your appointments to bring my daughter to the doctor, these will surely top the bedtime stories my kids will hear from me.

9. for the time & attention…

Twenty five years of taking care of me and devoting all your time to me, I still say is not enough. For I am so used of having you around that I sometimes forget I’m all grown up and already has my own family. Most of the time I still feel like your little girl who needs your time and attention a lot. Sometimes I find myself asking you to come over just so you can taste my new recipe and spend some time with me. It’s kindda funny but the thing is, you do come over and you never fail to spend time with me.

10. most of all, for the love…

The love that has made me what I am today; The love that has made me a better person each day. The love that inspires me to live a good life. The kind of love that we only read in storybooks; the kind of love that most children dream to have. The kind of love that has prompted me to pay tribute to you.