My Papa!

There comes a time when I just can't help but look back to those years when I am still younger. My formation years served as my guide and basically the foundation of who I've become. Tears would occasionally threaten my eyes every time I remember some of my parents' words of wisdom.

When I was younger, I would always look at my father with fear. I am afraid that he might scold me for something I have done. I am always trembling every time I come across him. I am afraid to look at his eyes, it seems like they could shrink me until I become invisible. I look up to my dad, he has always been a strong man to me. When he commands, everyone follows. He has been strict ever since. He wants things to go the way they should, he wants all of us to learn the essential values of life. He is surely the head of the family, the one with great authority.

I envy my cousin every time she fools around her father. I wanted to experience that too. I wanted to know how it feels to crack a joke to my father and tease him without him being offended. Making my dad mad has a terrible consequence. I wasn't close to my dad then.

Now, I am more than grateful for finally having the chance to mingle with my father without barriers. When I was already studying away from home, I could feel that we are slowly drawing closer to one another. It feels really great to laugh with my dad, I have then realized that he's not that scary after all. He's still strict, but I've learned to appreciate it knowing that it's one way of showing me that he truly cares. We would usually tease each other and I even hit him sometimes. My dad and I became really close now. There are even times when we would text each other and I would honestly forget that I'm texting with my father.

Now, I've learned to appreciate everything about my dad. He might have made a "scary" first impression, but he sure did manage to change what we thought about him. I will never forget his lines such as; "Kamo man ang gapanday sa inung kaugma-on".(You are the ones building your own future). He wants us to become successful in the future, which is basically the reason why he did whatever he can do to keep us on the right track. I can still remember that I cried when he said these words; "Skwela jud mo'g tarong kay mao ra jud na among mapamana nimu, wala man ta'y uma para among ika habilin ninu". (Do good in your studies for this is the only treasure that we could pass on to you. We don't have huge fields and other properties for you to inherit.)

My dad may not be perfect, but I am glad and really proud that he's doing his best in order for us to have a better way of living. He, himself, has done a lot of mistakes in the past and he wants us to avoid committing the same mistakes. He is a loving father, understanding and caring. We find it hard to ask something from him, but if we do he never disappoints us. As long as he is capable of giving, he will surely provide.

He might seem like a tough man, but what lies beyond is a kind and soft heart. He is such a compassionate father. I owe a lot from him, even the way I look (Sa kanya aq nag mana).

Thank you. Words can't totally express how much I appreciate you.
I love you so so much papa!!!

:)