Sunday Supplement: Forever Daddy's Li'l Girl
I wrote this piece in June on the occasion of my Dad's birthday. Two more days and it'll be eleven years since we lost him to his bout with cancer. Life is never the same without him. Getting over the death of someone you loved dearly is difficult but then there is no choice but to deal with their absence in your life.
I am reposting this entry from my other blog.
It's the time of the year when I am swept with nostalgia. June is a month dedicated to my Dad. Apart from Father's Day, it also happens to be his birth month. And just the past days, a TV network has been playing the theme song of their upcoming soap which happens to be one of the songs that we used to sing. At times, I'd find myself wistfully long for his reassuring presence, seek his wise counsel or yearn for those carefree moments of shooting breezes. I am just blessed to have had him as my Dad and thankful for the time shared with him and all that he has taught me.
So here are random things (trimmed down and condensed to 30) I learned from Daddy. I try to live by these lessons (although at times it is an epic fail) and I hope to be even just half the person that he was.
1. Respect others.
2. Be on time. Punctuality is an exercise of utmost respect.
3. Be sincere. Mean what you say. Be generous with well-deserved praises. Don't engage in flattery just to win favors or please someone.
4. Be tact. If you will just whine or have nothing nice to say (without any proactive action), better keep your mouth shut.
5. Keep your promises. It will only break someone's heart if you fail to do so.
6. Be generous, kind, selfless. Do your good deeds sans fanfare. Just note that some won't even be grateful for it or remember it or return the same.
7. Count your blessings. Always express your gratitude. Thank you notes are never passé.
8. Be humble enough to own up to your mistakes.
9. Take time to listen. Be a good listener and a trusted confidant.
10. There are only a few people you can trust. And do not breach the trust placed in you.
11. Be compassionate and sensitive enough to know the needs of others.
12. Be content with what you have. Know your needs from wants.
13. Live simply and live within your means.
14. Be honest in your dealings.
15. Mingle with people from all walks of life.
16. Commit to memory the faces and names of the people you meet. If you can, remember their birthdays and the special occasions in their lives by heart, and never fail to greet them on those important dates.
17. Keep yourself abreast with the latest news, from the current events and politics to business, sports and even showbiz.
18. Read a lot. Daddy fueled my love for reading, starting with magazine and news articles to juvenile-themed pocketbooks and comic books and graduating to the literary classics as well as the fiction and non-fiction genres.
19. Take time to enjoy a simple meal, a worthwhile conversation, beautiful music, a good film, a fun TV show, and an exciting game.
20. Wake up before the sun rises. Enjoy the crisp air at daybreak. It is also the best time for the freshest catch from the sea.
21. Be open-minded. And remember that you're never too old to learn something new.
22. Don't be quick to judge others.
23. One word is enough for a wise man.
24. Be organized.
25. Don't be rash. Make an informed decision. Never fall into the pit of economia malentendido.
26. Be passionate and at the same time be professional in whatever you do.
27. Be calm. Be patient. Keep your anger in check.
28. Do what is right, fair and just.
29. Pray. Keep the faith and have a meaningful relationship with God.
30. The best gifts you can give: presence, time, encouragement, respect, love.
Here's to you 'dy! Happy Birthday! ✍