Someone very important is celebrating his birthday today.

Because of this, I wanted to write a piece about him. But while I have a lot, (and i mean, A LOT) of things to say, I am stumped as to where and how to start.

I want to tell about how sad his life story was and how it could give all the teleserye's a run for their money. About how at the age of 9, he had to work his ass off working as a "bote-garapa" boy to a gasoline boy to a barker to a shoeshine boy (there were more menial work he did) to fend for himself and his family. About how it broke him apart seeing his mom hurt by his dad's "extra-curricular activities" and how one day he arrived home to see his mother lying lifeless (she was just 30+ at that time). About how grief-stricken he was when his youngest brother soon followed her mom. About how his aunt took him and his siblings under her care but life still didn't come any easier for him. About how he got to finish high school and started with college, only he eventually had to stop 'cause he chose to be a full-time employee.

I want to tell how people have the wrong impression of him at times. They think he's shy and timid, and that he's too serious. Or that he's a snob. But that's just what they are, impressions of him. What they don't see is how he can strike up a conversation with any one he meets on the streets. A few thought him as a coward before. Some were suggesting years back that he go abroad and earn his living there. Instead, he opted not to for the very reason that he didn't want to be separated from his family. Some wanted him to start his own hardware company since he already knows the ins and outs of the business. He didn't listen to that one either (and up until now, he still works for the same company he entered 30 plus years ago). Back then, I couldn't comprehend his reason for not considering that idea. I then realized later on that he wasn't afraid to be considered as someone "na may mahinang loob" or someone who didn't want to take a risk, he was more afraid of his kids' future. He'd rather that he work for other people for the meantime as long as he has enough for his family's needs (and just so people know, it is a no-no for him to borrow money from anyone - not because of pride or anything. he just believes that to borrow money means you're living beyond your means).

I want to tell about how he influenced and taughts us many things. He was the one who instilled in his kids the love of books. His daughters were reading Funny comics at age 3 and moved to Archie comics before hitting the age of 4. He was the one who introduced them to Nancy Drew and to John Grisham and to Erich Segal (and a whole lot more). He spoiled his children to the max. He said he wanted them to be not left wanting (the exact feeling he had during his childhood). He taught his children how to discuss things not centered on only one topic. He may not have finished school, or that he may not be a professional right now, but proved to everyone that grades and titles do not matter.

I want to tell of how he can be irritating at times. He can be controlling and too paranoid for his own and his family's good. One incident was when he found out that his youngest daughter went to join one of the EDSA rallies. He left the office as soon as he learned of it and went straight to Ortigas/Edsa to look for her. He went around on foot, looking hard for where she was in that crowd. That time I thought he was over-reacting. But again, I thought of how he must have felt and that's when I understood why he did that.

I want to tell her how her eldest daughter wouldn't sleep unless she was cradled in her father's arms. About how many times she has disappointed him and but remained to be the most forgiving father she knows. About how she regrets to have not graduated with honors in college, that would have made him feel mighty proud of her. Just the same, he is proud of both her children, i know that for a fact. I think that he believes that he may not be the richest man alive, but he sure does have other riches to be proud of. And he has nothing to thank for but the Lord and himself. After all, it was he (and his wife) who planted the seed.

I want to tell more of him. But words wouldn't do justice for what he has done and what he has been and is to me and my mom and my sister.

I may not need him to lull me to sleep anymore. But I need to pester and bug him and make him "kulit" (until he shoos me away as if i'm an insect) at night before i can say it is complete. I still sleep with him at night during weekdays (it's only us during weekdays after all, remember?). Sometimes I look at him while he's sleeping. And I am overwhelmed at the thought that there's this someone who pampered us, cared for us, and loved us unconditionally for many years. I am reminded of how the Lord has blessed me truly to have not only the best dad in this world but the best mom and sister anyone could ask for. To say that my family is the most important thing in my life (next to HIM) is really an understatement. I love them so much and They are my life.

Why do I wanted to write a piece about him? Because this is my blog and I am talking about me. And looking at me and who I am now, I can never disregard the fact that it is he (and my mom and my sister still) who made me.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAD!