I’ll Always Remember You
December 5, 2020 by arlene
Today is dad’s 13th death anniversary. They went back home to the province when he retired and lived a simple life with Mom.
It’s been thirteen years since we lost him but he still stand tall in the recess of my mind. Yes, a beautiful memory that would last a lifetime. And it’s been thirteen years now that I’ve been blogging about him, a tribute to a man whom I called DAD.
Picking guavas in our backyard in the province.
It is always hard to remember the days when he was alive, not because they are not worth-remembering but it’s because I sometimes I cry silent tears every time I remember. I see him at times in his favorite nook, reading the daily news from cover to cover. I see him at times smiling at me, that kind of indulgent smile that says, “I believe in what you are saying.”
And that so soft white hair.
I remember the days when I was in high school and it was only the three of us (my eldest brother, Dad and I) when he would come home after work with a small shopping bag in his hands and I would eagerly look inside on what dinner will be for the three of us. I learned my first lesson in cooking through him. It was because of his encouragement that I learned to devour books. He taught me how to be self-reliant and independent, always with the thought that one should never be ashamed of hardships in life because somehow those circumstances will teach us responsibility. “Success does not happen overnight“, he would say, success comes when you know the sacrifice of striving harder.
I vividly remember this, it happened when he was still strong enough to share what he went through to finish his studies and be employed in a learning institution that up to now is first on my list of schools in the country. We were having a casual conversation one afternoon, quietly sipping coffee with him and mom when a ice cream vendor passed by near our gate. Then he told me this story, when he was new here in Manila, he also did odd jobs just to survive and finance his studies.
“Ginawa ko rin yan”, he said.
“Magtinda ng ice cream sa kariton, parang ganyan”, at the same time pointing to the ice cream vendor that has just passed by. (He meant he also sold ice cream to make both ends meet).
Back then, he was living in Balic-balic with an uncle and other relatives. In those times, Ayala Avenue was still undeveloped and it was there that he would go three times a week to sell ice cream. I didn’t know that part of his life until that afternoon and I was so touched, I was silently crying inside. I was more proud of him and when he died I recalled that story to his younger siblings and my brothers. I was privileged to share that particular phase in his life that they didn’t know about.
When my daughter graduated from college, they were left at the house because the entrance tickets at PICC were only good for four persons. When we came home, Nissa proudly put her Magna Cum Laude medal around his neck then to mom next. He was so proud of my daughter, I saw his tears of joy. We were all laughing at the same time.
The days you’ve been with us, the days you shared with us your words of wisdom, the days you taught us what responsibility means. You will always be remembered. Praying for you Dad.
Of course you will always remeber him, Arlene. A lovely tribute to a good man.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thank you so much Pete. I have become somewhat emotional today.
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Emotion is good with loving remembrances like this. It’s 13 years too for my Dad. It I feel your pain.
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Thank you so much Kavitha. and it is really hard to lose a loved one.
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What a wonderful man he was!
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I agree Anne, I miss him a lot.
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Father’s are really special…it’s been 17 years for me and his memories are still so fresh in my heart.
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Memories are like that, we don’t forget the happy years. Thanks Ritu 🙂
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what a lovely tribute to your Dad, Arlene! 🙂
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Thank you so much Wilma.
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I have come to know and love your dad too since you write so movingly about him. I love his devotion to his family and to education. What fruit his life produced.
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This is so touching Elizabeth, I could not thank you enough😉
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You are very welcome. My dad was not like yours, so I like to “borrow” your experiences to think about God as our Father.
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Oh, that is great. Thanks again🌻🌺🌼
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He will forever be in your heart. And I believe you are there too in his.
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Thank you Techie.
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So beautifully expressed, Arlene.
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Thanks Amy 🙂
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Your dad sounds like he was a wonderful man! You’re lucky to have had him!
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Oh yes he was. I miss him still.
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I can imagine!
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Thank you 🙂😗😘
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