Life can be cruel, and we all face challenges and hardships along the way. But in the midst of it all, we can find comfort and strength in knowing that the Lord is good and the giver of life. Today, as I reflect on the passing of my father on February 5, 2018, I am reminded of the journey we had together and the lessons I have learned along the way.
My relationship with my father was never easy. From a young age, I felt distant from him, and I longed for the physical love and comforting words that many children receive from their fathers. I wanted him to be present in my life, to guide me and teach me the ways of the world. But that was not the reality I faced.
As I grew older, I began to understand the reasons behind my father's actions or lack thereof. He, too, had not experienced the same physical love and guidance from his own parents when he was a child. As the eldest in his family, he carried the weight of responsibilities and had to help support his family from a young age. The burdens he carried shaped the way he interacted with me, and it became clear that he wanted me to learn and grow on my own, just as he had to do.
It was a challenging and sometimes painful journey, but through it all, I learned valuable life lessons that have made me the person I am today. I learned the importance of resilience and self-reliance. I learned that sometimes life doesn't give us everything we desire, but it offers us the opportunity to grow and become stronger. I learned that love can be expressed in different ways, and even though my father may not have shown it in the conventional sense, his actions and sacrifices spoke volumes about his love for our family.
I have also come to realize that life is a complex tapestry of experiences and emotions. While I may have missed out on certain aspects of a traditional father-child relationship, I gained a unique perspective on life and a deeper appreciation for the moments of love and connection that did exist between us.
As my father has now passed on to his second life, I choose to focus on the positive memories and the lessons I have learned from him. I am grateful for the strength and resilience he instilled in me, which has helped me overcome challenges and navigate life's uncertainties.
In times of difficulty, I take comfort in knowing that the Lord is with me, guiding and supporting me through every twist and turn. He is the source of my strength and the anchor in the stormy seas of life. Through prayer and faith, I find solace in His presence and His promise to never leave me nor forsake me.
Life's journey is filled with ups and downs, joys and sorrows. But it is in the midst of these experiences that we have the opportunity to grow, to learn, and to become the best versions of ourselves. As I reflect on my relationship with my father and the lessons I have learned, I am reminded of the importance of forgiveness and understanding. We are all flawed and imperfect beings, but it is through grace and compassion that we can heal and move forward.
I encourage anyone facing difficulties in their relationships or life's challenges to seek strength in the Lord and to embrace the lessons that come their way. Life may not always be easy, but it is in the struggle that we find the strength to overcome and the courage to continue on our journey.
Let us rejoice in the goodness of the Lord and the gift of life He has bestowed upon us. Let us cherish the moments of love and connection with our loved ones, even in the midst of imperfections. And let us remember that in every chapter of our lives, there is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to become the best version of ourselves.
He never accompanied me to school like many of my classmates because he believes that I can do it on my own.
He never wanted me to learn a single lesson because he wanted me to know a lot of lessons in life.
Now we are grieving.
But we remember the time...
When he brings home pasalubong when he comes home.
We remember his attitude of being thrifty.
We remember his humility.
We remember that at least a few times he has carried me in his arms when I was brought to the hospital.
We remember that in my life he has trained me to be a brave boy when times that I was afraid.
We remember that he was always at home to cook for our food.
We remember that at least in his life he has witnessed my wedding.
We remember that at least in his life he has seen my son Isaac.
We remember that at least in our lives we have settled our conflicts.
We rejoice that at least even in your death bed I was able to reassure you that salvation is through Christ Jesus.
We will miss you Pa.
This is a rough and challenging time for us as we anguish the pain in our hearts. But we always remember that Jesus Christ is the giver of love. We always remember that the Lord has done great things in us.
This has taught me continually to cherish the life of our loved ones. Spend time with your love ones. Show them that you love them while you can.
Life is so precious.
It might be painful but I am assured that as he accepts Jesus in his life he is with Him in heaven.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
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