Happy 55th

It’s my dad’s 55th birthday. Wow. A life spent at least that long is an achievement in itself. Dad and of course Mom, were able to raise 6 kids in a span of like 33 years with Dad being the only one bringing food to the table and money to buy the basic family needs.

I salute my dad for his determination to send us all to school. All 6 of us were sent to a private school run by nuns. We were then encouraged to enter one of the best high schools in Cebu, after which our parents supported us through college and helped us get our degrees.

Education is but one of the best thing dad has done for us. Dad is a family man. He put a lot of importance to the family as a basic unit where all of us acquire and develop the traits and the character that we have become. He never failed us. He always knew his responsibilities and I thank him for standing firmly on his ground.

I think I am lucky to have him as my Dad. I know at times that he manifested his frustration upon us. I could understand why. Dad had dreams too. He had imagined a lot of things for us. I am aware that he once dreamt of a life abroad, with all of us living in striking distance from him and mom. Dad sometimes imagined us giving them gifts whenever we liked to. Gifts such as a vacation to Boracay or HongKong or some jewelries or appliances. Dad had long wished for all of us to achieve great things in life.

Maybe he was a little bit sad because a lot of things never really happened. A lot of unexpected things had happened also. I think at 55, Dad had arrived to a point that life should not be defined by misfortune or by any undesirable event. It should be based on things that could make him appreciate the value of life.

We prepared dinner to celebrate his day. Spaghetti, roasted chicken, grilled tuna belly, stuffed squid, beans and cake. It was a thanksgiving act. In our family, a simple dinner to celebrate one’s birthday means more than any tangible gift.

I do hope he continue to enjoy life. I am but grateful that he’s still healthy and strong. At 55, I hope that he could still see the reasons why life is still worth living. Happy Birthday DAD. More healthy years to come. More reasons to go on living.