Dear Dad…
Monday, October 17, 2022, 11:24am
Today is your birthday….. October 17, 2022.
In our beloved country, the Philippines. The place where you were born and died, fulfilling your purpose here on earth — that of being a loving husband to my late Mom, and a doting father to us, your children.
BLESSED, JOYFUL, HAPPY BIRTHDAY — — — Dad! It’s October 16, here in the USA.
How time flies! It has been twelve/12 years, since your Maker called you home last October 8, 1998. Nine/9 days short of your 85th year.
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I saw “that look” in your eyes, when we bid adieu at the NAIA Airport, in Manila last August 13, 1998, to your “apo” (grandchild) one of the many, in your large brood. My first grandchild, on my side of our family. An only child, a daughter of my fourth child, my first child to set foot on American soil.
A week before their departure, I had that deep, deep prompting
within my whole being to — — — “CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS in AUGUST ‘98”.
We decorated the house, complete with all the trimmings, and we even had
a tall Christmas tree, and presents for one another. My kids, “your apos”
sang Christmas carols, gleefully, with much gusto, as my third child, my first son, (one of two sons) played the piano. It was the greatest Christmas celebration we have had, ever. It was such a joyous, precious moment!
I didn’t know… There never was an inkling in my spirit, that that would be your “last Christmas” with us.
But did I see tears in your eyes, at the airport, and in our home during the Christmas despedida? Did you remember my late Mom and my other siblings, who’s gone ahead of us to be in the bosom of their heavenly Father? I was thinking then, that it will take quite a number of years, for us to see my daughter and her child, physically, in flesh and blood, anew.
Or were your tears, one of joy? Was it a fulfillment of a long cherished dream nurtured in your heart, for me?
LUA… Love You Always… Dad… <><
Lynn of the Prayrie 🦋
