A Father’s Girl
Father is defined by the online dictionary as "a man who begets, raises or nurtures a child."
We call him Ama, Itay, Tatay, Erpats, Papa, Pops, Pop, Dad, Daddy, Father, or one comes up with his/her own endearment. For me, I call my father, PAPA.
Family and friends often remark that I’m Papa’s girl. I always beg to diasgree, after all, I have an older sister and it won’t be fair to her. I believe Papa’s love is equally distributed.
I guess the observations started when my two older siblings went to high school in Iloilo and I was the only child at home. Since our family is close, we tend to attend gatherings together. Others saw me teasing and laughing with Papa a lot.
I have also been involved in Papa’s numerous activities. When I was younger, my siblings, some cousins and I were his water girls when he joined marathons. I even joined him in a 5K marathon. I finished but never again. I became a member of his brotherhood’s organization for their daughters. I helped organize a Rotaract Club when he was President of the Rotary Club. I went with him to his Toastmasters Club meetings especially if Mom is not available.
Over the years, he (and Mom) has been a symbol of love. Always there, someone I can trust, one who gives love unconditionally.
The distance hasn’t changed anything. We email everyday.
Papa is turning 70 tomorrow, September 9. I wish I can join the festivities but I have work commitments here in the US. But soon, I will be joining the family.
I love you, Pop! Happy Birthday!
