For Papa
When I was a little girl, I considered my father my superhero… He is the guy I really looked up to. And just like most of the little girls, I always say I would marry a guy who is like my father - intelligent (especially in math), smart, jack of all trades, humorous, responsible, loving, caring, family-centered, God-centered, amiable, articulate. Yes, I could go on and on. My father almost had it all. He was my super idol… until I reached college and became a professional, my father’s super-idol image has slowly faded. I didn’t know that a hero like my father would have flaws and shortcomings. I know it’s unfair to ever expect my father to be a perfect hero. Even heroes, like Spiderman or Superman, have their weaknesses and flaws. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that my father would have a longer list of weaknesses and flaws than the fictitious heroes we have around. But then I was too crushed to know that my father is not a hero that I have always seen him to be. I was quite disillusioned… and it came to a point that I was no longer in awe of my father. I knew my father felt my animosity and even felt so bad that he can no longer impress nor amuse me. He has been relegated to the sidelines, even against his wishes. And then… yesterday, during a mass, the priest spoke about giving fathers a chance to change. I felt guilty because even if I see good changes in my father, I always allow past resentments and disappointments to rule that I would find myself saying, "Why is it that it’s only now that he saw things this way?" I felt bad that I didn’t give my father chances to change… instead I became so prejudiced. Just like what the priest said, "It’s never too late to change." If your father did something wrong, learn to really forgive and give him a chance to change… just like how God gives us so many chances to make up for our mistakes. No matter what my father will always be my father… He will always be the man who taught me the value of respect, politeness, education and charity. He will always be the man who would endlessly defend, protect, love, care, and guide me and my siblings. And even if I have a lot of mistakes in life… even if I have hurt him for my irascible actions and animosity before, I know he will always say, I am proud of you and I love you.
To Papa, I am sorry for everything. Happy Father’s Day.
