today my son, paolo, turns 13. i wrote him a letter a year ago and i re-read it and thought to myself that not a single word has changed to convey what i want to say. so here it is...son, know that daddy loves you. 15 March 2012 Dear Paolo, Where do I start? Seems that it’s a bit difficult to put in words just how much you mean to me. Am sure you have thought of Daddy as strict most of the time. But believe when I tell you that my actions are all for your welfare. When you were still in your mother’s womb, I was studying for the bar exams. That is the exams people take to become a lawyer. The exams lasted for one whole month in September of 2000. At that time, you were just a couple of months old. Still a fresh baby. You were my inspiration. Each and every time that I feel I would surrender, a feeling of utter disappointment, I look at you in your crib and everything just melts away. There are times I carry you and rock you to sleep singing “Close To You” by the Carpenters and that makes me feel light, happy and content. As you got older, I used to let you sit on my lap when I drive going to places. I know that is a bit dangerous but you liked to sit in my lap and use the signals of the car. You already memorized the route we take going to Marikina and never missed a turn. Your Mom was so delighted and amazed. At that time we already knew that you were a cut above the rest. I know that you already noticed that I talk to you as if you are a grownup. I do it because talking to you like a child does not appeal to you. Your mind works like a teenager already and there is hardly any secret that could be kept from you. I get the feeling that you know more than what should be divulged to you. There are times when we are hard up on finances. Am so sorry for that. Know that Daddy will always find ways to make your life, as well as that of your Mommy and baby sister, better. That is the reason why I work hard. Not for me, but for you. I have no demands from you. I will not ask that you take up something you do not like. I will not ask that you do something that does not interest you. Except for one…Love. Love is something that cannot be taken away. It is something that nourishes the soul and the weary heart. Love gives strength when there seems to be no end in sight. Love overshadows all kinds of problems. When you do things out of love, you do not expect anything in return. Love cannot be bought. Love cannot be crushed. It is love that I ask of you. Learn to love what you do. Learn to love your family. Learn to love your friends. Learn to love yourself. If you have a ton of love in your heart, you have a treasure chest no one can ever take away. Daddy is getting old. My eyesight is running circles around me. The strength is slowly fading away. But the love has never ceased to burn. Have fun with computers and other devices. That’s okay. Experiment with life. That’s okay. Make mistakes. That’s okay. Remember that in making mistakes you must learn how to correct them. It is in the learning process that people grow wise. Share your knowledge. Nobody has a monopoly of knowledge. Find joy in all that you do. Life will not treat you with a kid glove. He will give you blows left and right. Don’t be afraid to fall. Don’t be afraid to cry. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. In the end, you will always stand up from where you fall. You will always pick up the pieces. You will always dust yourself off and continue to walk the path, dance to the beat, sing to the tune and brace yourself for another round of beating. Should you need a shoulder to cry on, I am here. Should you need an ear to listen, I am here. Should you fall and feel you can’t stand up anymore, reach for my hand and I will be there. When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, call my name and I will come. There is absolutely nothing on this earth that I won’t do for you, my son. What I do may not be that spectacular but I will find ways. Why? Love. In closing, I want you to: 1. Dream big; 2. Expect the worst; 3. Do not be afraid; 4. Roll with the punches; 5. Be humble; and 6. Love with all your heart. With much love, Daddy
Posted on: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 01:12:45 +0000
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