I think the last time I blogged about Dad was a year ago. Today is his 10th death anniversary. Can’t believe it has been that long. I could still imagine him sitting in a corner or at the garage while perusing the news for the day. His vision became normal once he had that eye operation years and years ago. Yes, he loved reading the newspaper from cover to cover. You can talk about anything under the sun and he would gladly share his experiences about life, how he struggled in his studies so he could be employed in a nice and stable institution like the University of Santo Tomas where my siblings and I all studied from high school to college.
Today is another day of remembering those long ago days full of nice and beautiful memories. My two brothers except our youngest (who spent his elementary years here in Manila) were left in the province with our maternal grandmother when Mom would spend a few months with Dad. We would always look forward to summer vacations and December break when there were no classes and Dad would come home for a week or two to spend the days with us. He used to take night trips. It was nice to wake early in the morning seeing his face while drinking a hot cup of rice coffee. Those were also the days when we would come to Manila with him and Mom and spend the rest of summer vacation with them. We all transferred to the university during our high school years. I remember taking the bus to our place in Quezon City and dad would accompany me to the bus stop before one in the afternoon before going back to the office. When I was in first year and second year high school, Mom came back to the province to stay with my two younger brothers. We had no refrigerator so Dad would drop by the wet market every day before going home to buy something for dinner and for breakfast the following day. I learned those basic recipes from him when I was in high school.
I grew up reading those Mills and Boon romance books back in the early seventies. Dad would borrow some at their high school library and he would return them back after a week. I graduated on those romance books when I got to college and did a two-year stint as a student librarian at the university. That was where I was introduced to more serious reading. I was surrounded by Ethics, Philosophy, Psychology, literature and fiction books.The happy years growing up with books.
The pain of losing him would always linger, but the memories, the good memories would remain in my heart forever. I will always remember those words of wisdom. They have some shaped my life to where I am now.
I’ll always keep you in my prayers dad. Missing you …. still!
Wonderful memories of your dad…
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Thank you so much Annette!
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Thank you for sharing. I miss my parents as well. Sometimes when I’m listening to an older romantic song now I apply it to my relationship to my parents. We were lucky to have parents who loved us.
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You’re welcome Debbie. thanks too for appreciating it. It makes us feel sad that our parents are gone,Then we remember the good old days, the happy times together.
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Arlene – those precious memories of your father are treasures now. What a powerful legacy for you & your siblings to share. It’s hard, though. missing our parents’ daily presence in our lives (especially on remembrance days & during holidays!) Blessings & love & hugs! 🙏🌟💜🌟🙏🤗🙏🌟💜🌟🙏
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Thanks a lot Virginia. I do agree, they are treasures that I keep and guard in my heart. There would always be days when I feel like crying when I remember him. There are days when I miss his presence but I am glad he is at peace now with the Lord. Hugs back to you 🙂
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A lovely tribute 💕xx
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Thank you so much Samantha 🙂
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What a lovely tribute to your dad. Thanks for sharing your memories.
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So glad yo like it Miriam. thank you.
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A fine tribute. He is still very much with you
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Thanks a lot Derrick!
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A lovely tribute to your beloved Dad, Arlene. He sounds like a wonderful father.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Oh yes, so proud of him still. Thanks Pete 🙂
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I am so sorry for your loss but thanks for sharing these beautiful memories with the blogosphere!😊 He sounds like he was an amazing father!🤗
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He was, thanks Dani!
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You’re welcome and I’m so glad you had such an awesome father!
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🙂
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I can fully understand you. I lost my father when I was 4,5 years old and it’s 60 years ago now and I still miss him. I hope he’s fine wherever he may be just like your father.
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That’s quite a long time ago. We will always miss them.
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I was moved by your depiction of your dad. I was also glad to learn a little more about the sacrifices your family made so your dad could work in the city while you stayed in the country.
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Thank you Elizabeth. Despite the hardship, those years were the best though…when dad was around.
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Beautiful memories, Arlene, and I know these days are hard no matter how many years go by. I love the photo you chose to go with the post. There is a wonderful gentleness in his face, in his smile and eyes. ❤
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Thank you, thank you so much Diana.He was really a gentle soul.
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Very welcome ❤
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🙂
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Our parents (and grandparents) will live “forever”, at least as long as the last person to remember them is alive. 🙂
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So true, thank you equinoxio21.
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I loved reading about your dad.
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Thank you Anne!
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