My father died last August 20 at exactly 7:05 AM. He was 85.
Below is the tribute speech I read in front of our family members and friends on the last night of his wake:
In a seemingly imperfect world, my father wasn't perfect as well. He had his flaws and imperfections. He made some mistakes. And yet amidst everything he committed in the past, he was a humble servant of the Lord, a confidante to his friends, a loving lolo to his apos, and a good father to his children.
I have three things in mind whenever I think of my Daddy...
First, he was as vain as most of us women here today. He wanted his clothes well-pressed. His "kikay kit" would mostly include Johnson's Baby Powder, Baby Bench Cologne, Heno de Pravia Deodorant, Green Cross Rubbing Alcohol, among others. His day wasn't complete without these things which he used after an hour or so in the bathroom. We would obviously know he had taken a bath since his footprits would leave baby powder marks all over our floor.
Second, I grew to love Tropical Hut Hamburgers because of him. He was a regular in its MCU branch until he succumbed to his sickness two years ago. He also loved chocolates despite his diabetes. I remember the time he gave me a Baby Ruth chocolate bar which he said was from one of my siblings abroad. It had a bite at one end. He handed it to me and said, "Kumagat lang ako, bawal naman sa 'kin 'yan." That was my father, "hanggang makakalusot, lulusot!"
Lastly, I could recall his excitement every time he asked me about my class standing. I have never been the type who brags about my achievements. But my dad, he delights in the fact that I got good grades.
These are just some of the things I could remember about our father. But what I can assure you is that "hindi po s'ya nagkulang." Against all odds, he was there for each and everyone of us.
Tatay/Daddy, we know you're in a great and peaceful place right now. Yet in our hearts we are certain you are always here with us, not before us nor behind us, but always beside us. Maraming salamat po!
2 comments:
i can't find the right words, but consider yourself lucky because you were able to be with him until he reached that age. my father died at the age of 51. so young... yes, fathers never leave us... they stay with us... my father has proved it for so many instances...
my condolences again...
thank you.
as i said, i know he'll forever be here for us.
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