padre
[Edit: September 4, 11:05PM
I would be lying if I say that I breezed through writing this entry. I struggled so much that I had to put it off a day and do it the last minute just so I don't have to face it. Now this seriously feels more like a writing exercise now compared to the first two 'writing challenges.']
Let me start by honestly saying that I initially wanted to write about my mother but it was really so hard. I couldn't write about her without being negative or too objective about it. So I erased everything and decided to write about my father instead.
Papa is more like the mother of the family. He's the one who is more nurturing and caring. I remember when I lived with him when I was in fifth grade, he's up early everyday just to prepare my breakfast and make sure that I actually eat it. He'd also prepare my lunch and ensure that my coleman has water and ice in it. When I come home, he's there to greet me and unpack my lunch box. It's always dinner time when my sister and I arrive home so he makes sure that there's some food left for us to eat.
My father is a quiet person. He rarely gets angry. Rarely. The first time that I heard him got mad was with my younger brother. He only wrote a note and stick it on the fridge, but it struck a note that my brother changed his ways. He raised his voice once when my sister and I were being stubborn. He asked nicely that we stop hitting each other but being the naughty girls that we are we didn't. When we heard his booming voice, I don't remember us not following his orders ever again.
The characteristic that I knew I got from Papa his was sense of humor and how he's able to make light of things. He's not the light of
the crowd like most guys are but when we have intimate gatherings - there's not a dull moment with him. I'd like to think that's why he's easily loved by the people he knows.
One trait that my Papa struck me the most is his being thoughtful. I appreciate this the most because he's not really well-off. He'd have odd jobs that barely pays enough. When he does have extra, he'd buy little trinkets that he knows I'd appreciate. I remember in one of my birthdays that he sent me a card that he made himself. It wasn't Hallmark but he freaking handcrafted it. It was amazing. It also came with a picture frame with my name on it, which, yes you guessed it - he made himself.
Papa is not perfect. It is a fact that he has more flaws compared to his good traits, but he was a great father and for him I know it is one thing that gave him much pride. He could've easily abandoned us but he never did. He always made his presence felt wherever the part of the world I am. And for this I am thankful. I remember him asking me how come I haven't married yet, or even have a boyfriend, I jokingly said "It's because it's hard to find someone like you." But I know in my heart of hearts I meant it.