Life...and something like IT: A Long Story

Let me tell you a story of a man I can’t really claim to know so well. I have not been with him throughout the 29 years of my life and technically, I did not grow up with him around. But, I’ll be telling stuffs about him as I know him and as I see him.

As a young girl, I found him really handsome. Skinny but handsome! He dressed casually but coolly and as far as I can recall, he seemed to be smelling good and fresh all the time with his signature perfume. I used to resent having him around since I wouldn’t be able to sleep with Nanay and he always has this daunting and reprimanding look everytime I start an argument and childish squabbles with my sister. But the thought that it will just be a matter of months before he leaves again gave me comfort.

It was when I entered school that I realized the he should have been with us at home. He should have been the one bringing and fetching me and my sister from school and not just trusted drivers. He should be attending family council meetings with Nanay so she wouldn’t have run between my homeroom and my sister’s. When it comes to kiddy bragging, the only things I showed around are Christmas and Birthday cards telling them how neat and cool his handwriting was. But I have no memories to share.

Until there was an opportunity for him to stayed longer with us. Though, not really an opportunity as he was out of work and was looking around for a good employment contract that will be worth being away from his family for. It was there that I got to know him a little. How I hated it when he would make us memorize the whole multiplication table and solve Math worded problems on our free time. He made it a point that we understand mathematical concepts and not just be contented with answering homework provided by teachers. He would not let me go until I master the lesson even if I was drenched in tears already. But above all, I was able to have memories of him around that I shall keep forever – bringing me to school on the first day of the school year and stayed with me even if I was already in the queue for the flag ceremony, following me around on a sportsfest parade and untiringly took pictures of me, and attending our speech presentation that I was conscious all of a sudden because I saw him from the crowd. They were simply priceless!!!

When the time came for him to leave again, for the first time, I cried. Maybe because I was an intermediate grader already and matured a little but thinking again, it was definitely because I was able to established a relationship with him. Through technology, we were able to maintain the relationship and communication. He called long distance once in a while and talked to the whole family and never failed to write letters. I fondly looked forward to his homecoming and be sad again when it was time for him to leave again. He inspired me do well in school and gave me credit for the good grades and class standing. It continued until I was in high school and the calls became frequent with the advances of telecom. He made it a point that he was updated with our academic and extra-curricular activities. Though, he was unable to attend any of my graduation and recognition day, every medal gained was dedicated to him.

When I was about to enter college, I was lucky to have him around. He was there during my confusion on what course to take and it helped a lot. He was there during my scholarship presentation ceremony and his grinning and proud face will forever be etched in my mind. He was there when I was struggling with Engineering Math subjects in my freshman year. He saw to it that I have all the materials and tools needed for my drafting class, electronics laboratory, and computer class. I was really thankful for all his support. I would have given up Engineering if not for him. The thought of him made me to strive more.

Too bad though that when he decided to retire from work and stay home for good, I already left home to pursue a promising career. Having a job and in managing my life and finances, he has a great impact. All of us, his daughters, didn’t grow up having what we want anytime we want. There is a clear distinction between “needs” and “wants”. The “needs” are readily provided and we have to save and work for our “wants”. Even if he was working abroad, it was not customary for us to demand pasalubong. We were contented with what he has to give. No matter how he asked what we want when he goes home, we just leave it all to him.

The moments that I’ll forever cherish are the ones we spent here in England when we had the whole 4 months with each other and Nanay. I came to know him more and realized that even if he spent most of the years away from us, he was a cool FATHER and a best friend to me. I will never forget how we kid around and laugh on things and people we find funny (no wonder where I get that attitude!!!), how we enjoyed the same food, our similar opinions on things and issues, and same outlook in life and how I am very like him.