Celebrating Daddy

today is the 70th anniversary of the day Daddy was born. and although he is no longer with us physically, we are celebrating his special day with a mass and dinner. he was, after all, one of the family's greatest and most special blessings! and we were actually making plans for this day right after Mama's 70th in August 2009. this was something we all looked forward to until that one very sad day when he figured in a tragic accident and passed on.

ours was not the typical or usual father-daughter relationship. we were not demonstrative and expressive of our love for each other. but although he rarely said his 'i love yous', i felt his great love for us through everything he did for me (and my siblings) and me and my family. he was always one who'd do anything and everything to make us happy. he always provided for our needs (and wants). he always acted promptly on something as soon as he knew we wanted it. he was a very good provider.

Daddy was also Mr. Handyman. he could do anything ---- from being a plumber, mechanic, carpenter, electrician to being a good cook, among many other things he does best for us. And he was very supportive of all our activities and took pride in all our achievements. he was even proud of Marti being able to speak English and got really happy with Zach's antics.

as we celebrate his birthday, i thank the Lord for blessing us with a wonderful father like Daddy.

Dy, i know it's too late to tell you all these but please let me. words are not enough to express my gratitude and appreciation for being the very loving and caring father that you were to us. you seldom told us you loved us but your actions spoke a lot. i miss the kind of love you showered me, Minoy, Marti and Zach and i am sad at the thought that no one else can love us the way you did. thank you so much, Dy, for all the sacrifices you made to make us happy and thank you for being so proud of each of us. words are also not enough to tell you how sorry i am for the times i made you feel less loved and unwanted. although you are no longer here to hear me, i want you to know that you were never a burden to us. we can never repay everything you have done for all of us. Dy, i guess i never got to tell you how proud i am of your achievements. and thank you so much for the lovely home you left us with. don't worry about us not having a car back home, we can manage. i miss you oh so terribly, Dy. i never thought i could miss you this much but i do and it will take a long time for me to not cry (the way i am crying now) anymore. i continue to pray for your eternal rest and i wish you a very happy 70th birthday up there!

(our last pic with Daddy taken on Marti's 4th birthday, September 27, 2009)