Dear daddy,
Can you still recall how we met as friends and ended up together? It was wayback in 1979 when I got a problem as to who would be my escort for our baccalaureate ceremony because I didn't have any boyfriend (at 19 huh!) during that time. I consulted my sister if they have someone in mind to recommend wherein my brother eagerly told me that he has a friend who is also a friend of our neighbour just adjacent to our rented apartment in Caloocan. My nose wrinkled because he's a seaman with afro hair and he would stand at their door every morning with two arms up. He would smile at me whenever I go out and I would pout and snob him but of no effect. He would just smile and laugh! And now, my brother would introduce his seaman friend to me? Yuck! But then my brother assured me that he's a handsome guy and that we would make a beautiful pair! My brother told me that he had already told him about being my escort which he eagerly agreed since my neighbour seconded that we would in fact make a lovely dou. He said (brother) that he'll be waiting for me after my OJT in the afternoon.
Truth be told, you were there waiting for me while you were having a having a conversation with your buddies over a bottle of imported brandy. I told myself that I'll never marry a seaman because of this bad habit! All of them turned their heads while I was approaching. They were busy tickling you massaging your back and the rest raising their thumbs up. You stood up which meant that you were the man I've been waiting for. We stared at each other silently (kilig na kilig ang mga meron) then my brother introduced us. You smile at me and handed your hand for a handshake with me which I accepted shyly but still smiling. My cheeks went reddish same as you with your ears so red! The others were excited at that moment. Nobody wanted to break the silence. We both know that it was love at first sight! Those with partners were holding hands as if feeling their love for each other as well.
When the spell was broken, you sat down with your friends while I excused myself to change my corporate dress. I could still hear their laughter saying "Hey man, what happened to our playboy? You were tongue tied natameme ka ano!... WOW! Cupid struck you bullseye man they said. You were silent. For all you know, my cheeks was still hot hearing their wolf's whistle. I admit, your pair of dimples when you smiled caught my attention. You had that appealing look and my brother was right.
When our baccalaureate came, you were there in barong tagalog waiting for me at the entrance of the church and yes, such a sight to behold! You were so handsome! My classmates were so eager to find out who my escort would be because they know I didn't have a boyfriend. They were awestruck seeing us together as we walked along the isle. They said that we were like celebrities and looking good together. You told me that you were the proudest man during that time. That was the beginning of your everyday visit to me, waiting until I show up. You lived in Paranaque while I, in Caloocan but you never got tired of such a long travel. You would go straight to our neighbour's house after reporting to your agency, a clear sign that you were already courting me. I was 19 and you were 23 then. I was touched when you asked the permission of my elder sister first that you are going to court me and that you're serious and willing to marry me when the right time comes. It was overwhelming! My sister agreed and told me afterwards about their talk while I was in the office.
You said that you would sincerely hope to get my big "YES" before you aboard the ship. You got my most awaited answer after 3 months and we had our first kiss! What a wondrous it was it was. It was heaven!:) We got married after 2 years. We were gifted with 5 beautiful kids. You were a loving husband and father to our kids. You and our kids became the center of my universe. My world revolved around you.
I would say that I will remember the happy moments I had with you along with our kids together and I will cherish the happy times we had together.
Daddy, let me tell you that I have forgiven you when you've traversed the wrong path after 30 long years of our togetherness. It's now water under the bridge. I dreamt of you during our wedding anniversary. You were so alive and we only hugged each. I guess it was your way of asking forgiveness to me and I would say my dear husband that I have forgiven you wholeheartedly. As I write this letter, I pray that you're reading this. I felt that a heavy burden has been lifted up right at this moment. May you find peace in heaven my love.
Love,
Mommy 😘
A.k.a @sarimanok