I'm dedicating this entry to my Dad.
Happy happy birthday Dad :) He just turned 80... and I'm still trying to wrap my head around that number. I'm only 33 and can only wonder what he has gone through in life, what wealth of knowledge and wisdom he has in that ever churning mind of his. For someone at that age, and with a case of prostate cacncer - he is remarkably well. Poor hearing and the obvious slowdown, balance issues, he is strong, healthy and active. I guess both his mental and physical activity contributes to his well being.
My father is a doctor by profession, and a frustrated businessman, farmer. He has told me that ever since he was growing, he has enjoyed farming. Not sure how he ended up being a doctor, but he still excelled and became/is a renowned urosurgeon. Those are might big shoes and credentials to fill, and I'm frankly scared/intimidated.
He now has a very calm and balanced view in life, very grounded and very close to God, given his experiences. I distinctly recall his saying he feels he has already felt both heaven and hell on earth, but continues to trudge along. He also considers these years as bonus, as time to spend with family, grand kids, contribute to society. His lasting reminders and lessons to me , in no particular order of importance are : (1) Gift of choice/free will - where he allows me/us to make our decisions, mistakes, etc. Case in point, I was free to choose my school, course and career path. (2) Love your family and love them unconditionally, and (3) Pray the Rosary, believe in its power, Divine Will. There would be reasons why things happen, and how we are to get through life's trials and tribulations. At age 80, he spreads such lessons and qualities to us family and friends, and the drug rehab center he founded and runs. I am happy he has found his calling, a phase wherein he was challenged by "What is life without meaning."
I cannot compare my newbie experiences and challenges to his life which includes : Being the top surgeon, potentially a leader/head in a US based organization, family troubles, getting stabbed and shot when he was young, going through a bout with cancer, life or hardship and life of plenty, and so many more. Yet he is here to continue to share and guide me, us in our own phase of life. It comes across as persistent and repeating, but after you step back, there is no harm done, only meant to help us. He has had chances to be in the US, be more financially stable or "set" but I am glad and heartwarmed that he chooses to "battle" and go through the grind with us here in Manila, even with my siblings who look up to him as their father as well. He has and continues to leave such a mark to people around
I don't know how things will end up, and frankly scared of what will happen, what will happen next. I am not close to my dad as I would want, and that is on me as well. But I will surely apply his lessons, his zeal and passion to life and family to my family to honor and respect him. I hope I can make him proud someday and emulate his qualities in some way. I guess I'll need to start talking and hugging him more, not just when I have problems or when I am struggling, confused.
All I know is that I love him, and I have no doubt, cannot go against or question that he loves me. I hope I can become as selfless as he him someday, maybe even soon.
So cheers to you Dad, Doctor, Father, Friend, Servant of God :)
Happy happy birthday Dad :) He just turned 80... and I'm still trying to wrap my head around that number. I'm only 33 and can only wonder what he has gone through in life, what wealth of knowledge and wisdom he has in that ever churning mind of his. For someone at that age, and with a case of prostate cacncer - he is remarkably well. Poor hearing and the obvious slowdown, balance issues, he is strong, healthy and active. I guess both his mental and physical activity contributes to his well being.
My father is a doctor by profession, and a frustrated businessman, farmer. He has told me that ever since he was growing, he has enjoyed farming. Not sure how he ended up being a doctor, but he still excelled and became/is a renowned urosurgeon. Those are might big shoes and credentials to fill, and I'm frankly scared/intimidated.
He now has a very calm and balanced view in life, very grounded and very close to God, given his experiences. I distinctly recall his saying he feels he has already felt both heaven and hell on earth, but continues to trudge along. He also considers these years as bonus, as time to spend with family, grand kids, contribute to society. His lasting reminders and lessons to me , in no particular order of importance are : (1) Gift of choice/free will - where he allows me/us to make our decisions, mistakes, etc. Case in point, I was free to choose my school, course and career path. (2) Love your family and love them unconditionally, and (3) Pray the Rosary, believe in its power, Divine Will. There would be reasons why things happen, and how we are to get through life's trials and tribulations. At age 80, he spreads such lessons and qualities to us family and friends, and the drug rehab center he founded and runs. I am happy he has found his calling, a phase wherein he was challenged by "What is life without meaning."
I cannot compare my newbie experiences and challenges to his life which includes : Being the top surgeon, potentially a leader/head in a US based organization, family troubles, getting stabbed and shot when he was young, going through a bout with cancer, life or hardship and life of plenty, and so many more. Yet he is here to continue to share and guide me, us in our own phase of life. It comes across as persistent and repeating, but after you step back, there is no harm done, only meant to help us. He has had chances to be in the US, be more financially stable or "set" but I am glad and heartwarmed that he chooses to "battle" and go through the grind with us here in Manila, even with my siblings who look up to him as their father as well. He has and continues to leave such a mark to people around
I don't know how things will end up, and frankly scared of what will happen, what will happen next. I am not close to my dad as I would want, and that is on me as well. But I will surely apply his lessons, his zeal and passion to life and family to my family to honor and respect him. I hope I can make him proud someday and emulate his qualities in some way. I guess I'll need to start talking and hugging him more, not just when I have problems or when I am struggling, confused.
All I know is that I love him, and I have no doubt, cannot go against or question that he loves me. I hope I can become as selfless as he him someday, maybe even soon.
So cheers to you Dad, Doctor, Father, Friend, Servant of God :)
No comments:
Post a Comment