To Papa

I am not really an expressive type of person. Maybe this is a result of how I was brought up. I do not feel comfortable about saying what and how I feel and should the need to express arise, I would rather do so in actions than words.

But just this once, I will defy what is usual for me. This once, because it’s Father’s Day and I feel that I have to thank a father in my life – Papa Michael.

For cooking good food for the family because I do not know how to cook, thank you so much. In a normal family, it is the mother who cooks. In our family, however, it is Papa who cooks and he does so with gusto. He loves to look at me and our children eat the meals he prepares, happy that there is food on the table. Cooking for Papa is a big deal so he feels bad if we do not finish the food on our plates. Again, for the hearty meals and for taking over the kitchen duties, thank you Pa.

For taking care of the kids when I am away at work, thank you. Working for a newspaper is not easy. Although the hours are flexible, work time can also start as early as 6 a.m. and can end very late in the evening. For understanding the pressures of my job, thank you.

For giving up your dreams so I can pursue mine, thank you. Happy Father’s Day!

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I would also like to use this space to greet the fathers I know. Happy Father’s Day to Sir Dodong, Sir Miguel, Sir Jabat, Sir Jerry, Sir Nimrod, Sir Eddie, Lucky, Rolex, Chino, Cahms, Pepe, Renbor, Tony Ngujo, Ferdie, Aldo, Joy T, Cyril, Paul, Johnrey, Edwin, Yoyo, Eric, Tatay Haning, Sherwin S., Sherwin P., Fred, Ronald, AO, Jason, Ninong Bayani, Kuya Santi, Jap, to my Dad and to all fathers in the world.

Here is a little poem I found on the net about fathers.

Though we may not shower him with praise

Nor mention his name in song,

Though sometimes it seems that we forget

The joy he spreads as he goes along,

It doesn’t mean that we don’t know

The wonderful role that he has had.

And away down deep in every heart

There’s a place that is just for Dad.....

- Anonymous

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