A letter to Daddy – Memories of You on Father’s Day
“I remember all his funny stories in my solitude, the great advises, laughter of cheers, a workaholic man, unable to speak the language, who taught me all I needed to know about life and hard work by the simple expression of his example“
Proud to be the daughter of a man I always cherished in my whole life, not as educated as the prominent people, not as great as John Paul Jones, not as rich as Bill Gates but He is a pillar of strength, support and discipline to us. Way back when I was a child, when mother is out and we are all disobedient in the house while his sleeping, he did not scolded as whenever we committed a mistake but rather used his tough love to prove his point not his fists but through the power of his words.
His sacrifices just for the family proven his worth. I never had a chance to thank him about this on this special day. Whenever father days come, I feel so sad thinking of the past memories, I feel sorry for myself when I see a family eating, laughing, and talking together. Wish I could bring back the times and treasure every moments.
When I was in high school, I wrote a letter to my father but sad to say He was not able to read this. On the night we sat together in the sofa watching our favorite episode on TV, laughing, I laid down his shoulder and we both laughing together. He told me then that night to study hard and his going to be on stage for my academic awards and declamation. I feel so happy that after all his proud of me then. Beyond that instant, he stretched out his legs and gasping for breath, he trembled and falls in my knees. I was so shocked, toughed-tied. I shouted with all my might and called for help. He was brought to the hospital but dead on arrival. He died in a cardiac arrest and never told us about his heart problem. That day is the turning point in my life, until now marks the responsibilities in behalf of my father. I promised him in his grave to finish what he has started for the family.
Presently, my sister was on her 4th year in college, I worked so hard for them and I am happy for sure my father will be proud of me. I want to share to you this letter I kept for twelve years in my journal. Even though his not here in this world but his memoirs will always be remembered. To all the daughters and sons out there, do what you can do to express your love to your father; we may never know what lies ahead in the coming days, but its heartbreaking when you find out it is too late and will always remains a memory.
The unread letter:
Dear Papa,
I wrote this letter to you just to let you know how important you are in my life, and my love to you has no bound.
I have known all your hardship in life since when you are a kid, you started working at age 14, not able to finished college because of money but still landed in a descent job.
I remember when mama told me, you are the happiest dad in the whole world when I was born.
Uncle told me you’re a good friend and liked by everyone because of your sense of humor, kindhearted and generous.
Even though Lolo told me you’re stubborn and disobedient because you ran away here in Mindanao but still they love you for what you are.
The moment happened when mama always nagged at you but you still remain meek, calm and love her.
When you lost all the money for the loan just for your billiard game, still you find for an alternative.
Aunt Victoria narrated me how proud you are and telling your relatives about my accomplishment, I feel so happy. I know you did not say that to me.
I am so thankful to God for your life. No one could ever replace you and I will always love you, with mama, Ann, Janet and Michelle. I pray to God for your life to stay with us forever.
I love you Papa, and please be there in my Declamation Day!
Your daughter,
Payoung
