A Letter to my Father

My father passed away 2 years ago in the midst of the pandemic, I remember the day as though it was yesterday, 28th February 2021, at 2PM. I feel somehow, we were blessed, no one was able to see my father at his weaker state but my mother and I, and the Lord had allowed him to pass in our arms and not in some hospital where we would have been forced to wait outside. it was the hardest and most challenging time that I had ever experience in my existence, I felt helpless, useless and unprepared.

I was lucky to have a very good relationship with my father, he was a man of few words, yet supported me without even having to say it. He was indeed an inspiration and his lessons and teachings will pass on from generation to generation. It was because of him that lead me back to the Philippines, the motherland, and started off a journey of becoming my own boss and learning to appreciate the simpler things in life. Things such as time with your love ones can easily be taken for granted until hard ship occurs, I guess this was one of the things he wanted to teach me. I must admit, my love and appreciation for family time has amplified, priorities have changed, it has brought us closer as a family.

I often try to speak to my father, but the words do not come out, I feel somehow a little silly talking to a headstone. With this being said, I often find it easier to write to him. Father’s Day has just passed, and although I show my appreciation for him daily, and for me it is just another day, it is not the same without him on this plain and I wish to recognize him today.

Dear Dad,

I hope you are well, and that you are at peace, we miss you dearly but would like to believe that you are surrounded by your loved ones that had transitioned previously, and that you are content in knowing that we are continuing your Legacy. It has been difficult especially for Mum, but she is getting by, she is so strong and independent, she’s always on the go, she is back in the United Kingdom as Christopher (My Brother) and Lorna will be having a baby but plans to return to the Philippines before Christmas.

In terms of the businesses, we are now recovering, I am spending most of my time renovating the existing apartments, it has started to get busier now that there are less restrictions for entry. The restaurant keeps me occupied, I have created many new dishes and it has been well received by the Expat and local Community, I have even been featured in various Vlogs which has been advantageous and am inspired again to rejuvenate my businesses. I must admit, after you left, business just didn’t feel that important to me anymore, I felt as if I had lost all motivation, but don’t worry I am back, we will not fail you. I will bounce back and take on challenges head on, just as you told me I should do.

I just wanted to let you know that I am extremely grateful for having you as a father, you taught me many things including how to be firm, fair and a good man. I am trying my best to reflect your teachings as I wish to inspire others as you were able to inspire me. I remember you used to say that material things were not that important. I understand you now. I hope that you are looking down at me, and although I am not perfect, you are content in knowing that I am trying my best to represent my family well.
People say that they see you in me, that I resemble you not only in physique but also in actions, sometimes I can hear your phrases coming out of my mouth and I just laugh to myself.

I am proud to hear that as I couldn’t choose a better person to resemble. I am happy to know that we will one day see each other again, but until that time, I will work hard to finish what you started. Thank you for believing in me, I miss our coffee time and general chit chat, I miss your advice, your suggestions on how to do it better, and your support regardless, however I chose to get it done.

I Look forward to seeing you again soon, feel free to say hi whenever you want, knowing you are up there, the unknown no longer scares me as it did before, I know that you will protect me regardless. It would be nice to know that you approve on my actions.

Catch you later

Love you Dad!

Thank you for taking the time to read this, although slightly different to my usual posts, I feel expression through words can help to build greater foundations, and also helps me to push forward.

Until next time, Ciao for now, and I look forward to seeing you on the Battlefield.