I’m actually speechless now – I don’t know what to write. But I guess I’ll just start this one by saying: I wouldn’t reach 21 without you.
About a week ago, I thought I would never have the chance to give my mom even a simple gift for her coming birthday. JUMP: Payday Mayday! But thank Heavens, I managed. I was able to surprise her with a cake yesterday, January 25th – but don’t worry mom, a bigger one will follow this coming February.
She has been my ultimate hero; my greatest fan; my most thoughtful housemate; my best friend; my stress reliever; my shock absorber; my living handkerchief – she has been my mom for 21 years.
Thank you and I love you will never be a cliché for me – and I would really love to tell you that over and over again for 59 more years – times a trillion years. And yeah, I’ll end this with:
HAPPY 59TH BIRTHDAY MAMA! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING! I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!
Once in a while, I look at myself in front of the mirror. The reflection that welcomes my naked eyes bothers me at times. Who is this person I’m looking at? Who is he?
My story started fifty-nine years ago, it was the 19th of July, where Pete was first introduced to the so-called life.
He was born Christian – his father was a devout of the Black Nazarene in QuiapoChurch and his mother was an Iglesia Ni Cristo follower. Though that was a strong foundation for his religious side, still, he seldom goes to church. Like his father, he is always hot tempered. Small wrong things make him agitated easily. He always bears a shout-like tone in speaking, whether mad or not. Patience is not actually a virtue for him. And worse of them all, he’s not showy of the way he really feels – you may call him numb, still he doesn’t care.
On the contrary…
In his early years, he was always considered a bright student. He was not only knowledgeable in so many ways; he was also smart – wise. Though he only finished his high school education, still, that fact did not hinder him from succeeding in his career path in life. At present, he now works as a Security Officer at the Supreme Court in Manila. He has earned many recognitions both from his work and his friends – recognitions both in papers and in words. He is a loving son, brother, husband, and father. And best of them all, he’s a true person – a man of words and deeds.
I admit, in some ways I abhor him for being not showy of his feelings. He knows how to express his thoughts – such thoughts which are oftentimes hurtful – but never his true, softer side.
But I do understand him, I really do. He’s a man, and being a man entails a lot of responsibilities. For being a man is an epitome of toughness, strength. And in that case, he passed on my standards. Though he doesn’t support you in the most literal way, he pushes you in ways which he knows best to keep his image and to drive you as well.
As a matter of fact, I see myself in him. If I remember it right, I also seldom go to church, I’m a bit hot tempered at times, I get irritated quickly, I have a loud normal and abnormal voice, I’m not that patient, and I’m not showy. Like him, I am not a dull student, I have big dreams and plans in the future, I am recognized positively through my humble works and words, I am a loving son, and I am true to every words my mouth utters and deeds my body does.
I dislike some of his ways, but I understand him, and I see myself in him – for Pete is my father, my ever loved dad.
Once in a while, I look at myself in front of the mirror. The reflection that welcomes my naked eyes holds true to the blood that flows in my veins. I am myself, a reflection of my father.
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This is for all the loving fathers in the world! May all of you be blessed on this day! Happy Father's Day!