We Love You Dad / Grandpa

Dad, you were the strongest man I know. You were the man who can open the mayonnaise bottle when no one else could. You were the one who can fix my school carpentry project even when I already got the nails all crooked up. You can crack open the crab legs using only your teeth. You made it look easy how to change tires. But Dad, you no longer need to show us how strong you are. Letting go is no longer a sign of weakness. Your body can let go now but your strength we will always remember.


Dad, you always taught us how to be on time – on time for school, on time for mass, on time for work. You even wanted us to be on time for parties even when we tell you that 7 pm parties actually start at 8 pm. But Dad, it’s time to let go. We want you stay but we want your stay to be quality time for you. The past 3.5 years hasn’t been that way for you. We know how difficult it was for you to go thru your 2-3x a week dialysis sessions. No more of that Dad. It’s time to let go.

Dad, we know how stubborn you are. We know that you were stubborn enough to prove relatives and neighbors in your province that they were wrong for thinking Lolo and Lola were fools for sending their first born to Manila to study when they hardly make ends meet. You were stubborn enough to study and work odd jobs to finish your studies. You were stubborn enough to tell Mom not to work anymore even when you and her had to help send you and her siblings to college. You don’t need to be stubborn anymore. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone anymore.

Dad, you were our provider. You provided for all we ever needed. You didn’t let us go thru what you had to go thru when we growing up. Not only did you give us the material things but you also made sure that Mom was there for us while you were at work. You allowed us to play when it was time to play and allowed us to take vacations while you work for us. You’ve provided daily Jollibee breakfast for your grandkids the past 10 years. Heck, you even provided for whatever hospital expenses we need to cover when you go. Dad, you don’t to provide for us anymore. You have given enough for all of us that we can already provide even for others as you and Mom have.

We’re strong enough Dad. It’s time. Don’t be stubborn. You’ve provided enough. We’re ready. We love you Dad.