Father & Son

I have 12 more days before I turn 21. And I’m not liking it. Haha. But that’s how life goes, we get old and in the end we all die. Unfair huh? Oh well, we just have to accept the truth and face the reality.
 
I have this old friend of mine na sobrang lasenggo talaga. Everyday you see him with his crew, passing a cup full of beer to one another. It has been a daily dose to him. He can’t get through a day without consuming even the smallest amount of it.  He has been a good father, but not in the eyes of his children. He was too passive, not showy, undeniably reluctant in approaching his children. He opt to hurt them physically instead of talking to them first. In exchange, the kids grew up with fear towards him but never abhorred him. They were against his exhortations. Frequently being disobeyed.

But he has been a good friend to all. Everyone’s best friend, that is. A friend that is always there whenever you need one. A friend who will never put you down. A friend whose hands are always in full extent. Damn! Who wouldn’t want him? Everybody loves him. Not to mention, he has an adorable and very responsible wife. But the wife serves as the sanctuary of their children everytime the old man started beating them. Have you ever seen a flying radio? Or a flying cup of tupperware with a very cold water in it? Good thing it’s cold though. Haha. You just don’t wanna see that. Just read.

People change. That’s the only permanent thing in this world. I can see it in his eyes, that he wanted to start all over again. Start a new life with his family. But in order for us to begin another life, we must end what we last started. But what if, it was suddenly ended without having the chance to begin again? That’s exactly what happened to this good old friend of mine. He never had the chance to start all over again.

He was taken away too early. It was too late to be forgiven and to ask for forgiveness. Until his last breath, I knew he was thinking of his family. Just like what every father does. He was wearing the perfect smile the moment before he died. He was with his wife and sharing good laughs. And the kids? They were elsewhere. 

It was the most painful thing that ever happened to me, to see my good friend lying in a coffin. It was utterly unfair not being able to share even a small talk before he left. That night was a night of grief and mourn but at the same time the moment of forgiveness. It was too hard and painful for us to accept the fact that he is gone already. Nevertheless, he will never be replaced in our hearts. 

I am my father’s living heritage.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF:

Christian G. Del Mundo

May you rest in peace forever.

“We love you papa!”