SomeDADdy To Love

My dad loves to challenge me. My mother may be the ‘wind beneath my wings’, but my father has always been my positive critic. When I was 9, I saw an ad encouraging aspiring writers to send literary pieces in a local English newspaper in Saudi Arabia. I told my dad I wanted to send a poem I composed, and he answered that the ad is only for grown-ups with an address, in case the newspaper would want to reach the writer. But I really wanted to send my poem, so I exclaimed an outrageous response, “I’ll use your address!”. He sighed and surrendered. The following week, he received response mails from readers and pen-pal hopefuls, and we all just laughed over the experience.

When I entered high school, for some (crazy) reason, I decided to join the singing contest. My dad, being the critic that he is, told me that I won't qualify because my mom was the Music teacher. But my mother said there are no restrictions because the judges will be picked by the school administration. Each time I practice at home, Papa would say, “uminom ka pa ng salabat (you need to drink more ginger juice)”. But I didn’t just drink ginger juice; I sliced small pieces of the root and turned it into a candy! That was how driven I was to win. That year, I took home my first trophy as a singer.

In my early adult years, I faced a lot of unexpected difficulties that repressed my spirit; I became less bold in going after my other aspirations and settled for what was safe. Although it was difficult for them to accept some roads I have chosen, they chose to understand and allowed me to make mistakes, to be broken, which pushed me out of my comfort zone. Until I turned 30, my dad (indirectly) hinted that I should pursue my God-given talents once again. How? I feel it’s too late, I thought to myself.

He began by saying I should start my own business. I did it though, but as usual, I remained in the “safe” zone. Then, he asked me to purchase my own car. I haven’t been behind the wheel since I had an accident a while back, and he’s asking me to buy a car?, I asked myself once again. I looked into my savings and I knew I could afford one, but I’ve also thought about the other things I wanted to spend it with. But in the end, I bought my first car because I’ve considered that my mom could use it once she retires soon.

I concluded that was the end of my father’s test for my mid-life journey; but just recently, he asked me to finish the book I’ve been writing before my birthday this year. As in, 2 months from now! You see, I haven’t really taken my writing seriously. I like sharing my musings once in a while. I was an editor of our school paper back in high school. I’ve been blessed to get published in some local periodicals in the country. I also received an unexpected offer as a guest blogger with a magazine in Dubai. But despite of it all, I always felt writing was just a hobby. Then one day, I felt as if a brick was thrown at me: Writing is one of my core gifts!

So I prayed and asked God to help me fulfill another one of my father’s dream. Most of all, I thanked God for my dad who has always believed in my strengths, rather than my weaknesses. I thanked Him for blessing me with a father who provokes me not to remain passive, and believes I can rise through any difficulty. I am certain God our Father is the same; when He sees us, He sees us as His son/daughter and our abilities to become a blessing to the world. He expects us to make mistakes. He knows we are imperfect. But he keeps on lighting the fire He has embedded in our core until we realize what we are made for.

I love you Papa, thank you for believing in me. To all the fathers out there, no matter what situation you’re in right now, I salute you… enjoy your day.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!