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Dear Papa

In the spirit of of Father’s Day I am sharing an excerpt of a letter that I sent to Papa last January 2007. I remember my Papa not only on Father’s Day but everyday. You see, I was quite a “challenging” teenager and have given him a difficult time in the process. I now know how painful it is to have your child talk back at you as if you don’t know crap. My usual dialogues were ” if boys can- why can’t I? , I know my limits, I’m just having clean good fun…” I cringe at the thought of my words. But somehow, he can breathe easy that I have turned up alright with my choices in life.

… I want to say how grateful I am for all your sacrifices for us your children. Being a parent myself now, I can appreciate you more each day. I can now understand how it was such an extra-ordinary effort to raise us. I don’t know how you and Mama did it raising 5 kids(in Catholic schools) while earning a meager income and how you raised us single handedly and selflessly when Mama passed away. Thank you for being such a great father to us.

Love,

Tina

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Allow me to brag my Papa, he may not have completed his college education- he had to quit to support his growing family. A very humble man who made an honest living and was able to support his children: my eldest bro is mentally retarded went to SPED for 8 years and was able to win bronze and gold medals in the Special Olympics, my older sister who is an adventurous physician in one of the most dangerous places on Earth, me, my younger bro a Vet-to-be and my youngest sister who is a Comp. Sci grad too.

I wouldn’t be here today writting my blog if my Papa would have chosen to go and enlist in the US Navy. He has passed the rigorous tests when my mom was pregnant with my older brother. It wasn’t an easy opportunity to pass up. A promise of earning dollar$ but for some reason Papa decided to stay. Throughout the years of knowing him, I have come to realize the reason: Life isn’t all about money.

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  1. noemi | Jun 18, 2007 | Reply

    you have a wonderful father. It’s touching to read your letter as I feel your pain as well. I loved my dad dearly. Though I lost him when I was in my late 40’s, I still treasure those memories with him. Our dads continue to live in our hearts. Take care.
    ______________
    Hi Ate Noemi,
    I am very thankful for having him as a father. I read your story about your dad and I know that our parents will prefer us to cherish the good memories we’ve had with them. Take care.

  2. feng | Jun 18, 2007 | Reply

    true talaga ano. it is only when become parents ourselves that we realize how hard it was for our own dad and mom to have raised us so well. a deeper appreciation comes when we become parents. happy happy father’s day to your dad and hubs as well. :)
    _______________
    Thanks for dropping by Feng. I’ve heard that rumour too ;) and it’s true.

  3. lovelyn | Jun 19, 2007 | Reply

    I just love reading posts such as this. Its honest, true and it brings out the best in you.

    Thank’s Tina, I finally figured out how to get in. I have my blogger site now. I owe you!
    ______________
    Hi Lovelyn,
    I kept thinking of responding to your email but I kept getting distracted. It’s great you were able to figure it out and you don’t owe me ;) .

  4. SexyMom | Jun 19, 2007 | Reply

    you’re lucky for having a wonderful loving papa. and he truly deserves to be loved by you and your siblings, more so your eldest brother. belated happy father’s
    day to him.
    ___________
    Hi Sexymom,
    He is really an amazing person who kept his promise to my Mama that he will take care of us specially of my older bro who can’t take care of himself.

  5. Lizzz | Jun 19, 2007 | Reply

    Hello there! :) Blog hop from PMN.

    You are lucky! Belated Happy Dad’s day :)
    _____________
    Hi Liz,
    Thanks for dropping by.

  6. julie | Jun 19, 2007 | Reply

    Ow, Tina, who would have thought you were a challenging teenager back then when you are a good person now?

    I believe that whatever we do, whatever decisions we make, it reflects back to how our parents raised us, what we have learned from the lessons taught to us by our parents.

    Have a great week!
    ____________
    Hi Julie,
    We all go through growing pains I guess. :)

  7. Rach | Jun 19, 2007 | Reply

    Hi Tina. Thank you for sharing this heartwarming letter. You’re blessed to have a caring and dedicated father. I’m sure he’s very proud of your choices in life and how your life has turned out. Belated Happy Father’s Day to him.
    ___________-
    Hi Rach,
    He wrote me a card that said that he is proud of me ;) , I just took from him from being stubborn.

  8. Girlie | Jun 19, 2007 | Reply

    it’s true, we get to appreciate and understand our parents more when we turn into parents also.

    i know your Papa is happy reading this post of yours, and he is proud of what you all have become, it’s your way of thanking them (your parents)
    ___________-
    Hi Ate Girlie,
    I think he is happy that I turned up to be more outspoken about certain things.

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