What a Father Love is (A Daughter's Tribute)

A father's love could be so mysterious. It has been kept away from the limelight as there are less movies created for fathers compared to mothers. Some of the movies I have watched and novels I have read portrayed fathers in a negative way.

Though it could not be compared to a mother's love because these two are unique from each other, both of their presence and love is a gift from up above. Their love is like yin and yang, each has its unique attributes but create a harmony in the family like still waters in storm.

By the way, what are fathers? I know they are unique from each other but they have some things that are common. Do you have some things you want to share in mind?

In my opinion, fathers are just like any normal creature on each except that most of the time they are pokerfaced, especially at work. Although they are not known to be emotional and touchy just like mothers, they portray or project a strong image. They serve as a role model and a superhero of their children. They are more than Tony Stark, Doctor Strange, or Black Panther in our lives. Way cooler than Thanos when he gets mad.

They are the ones who are entrusted to repair almost everything that has been broken, clogged, or whatever that has been damaged at home. On our case, it is I who seldom breaks stuff at home and his the one who does the buying of new stuff that I broke. Talk about parenting, my dad is lit. Haha!

Not all fathers might be vocal, but they are willing to risk anything for the sake of safety of their family . With just one steady look given to a guy who is trying to court her daughter, it can shoo the person away. Would you still not consider them as powerful? Well, moms could actually do that especially when no one wants to do the dishes at home.

Fathers are also known to be great providers of their family's wants and needs. Although some decided to run away from their responsibilities, a lot has chosen to man up and give their 101% effort in raising their family. They do not ask anything expensive in return. A simple hand-written Thank You and I Love You cards make their hearts melt.

Aside from that, fathers are very protective. Although we were not raised on their wombs (like seriously). They always make sure that you come home the moment you said you would be coming home from either a late night meeting or night out with friends. Well, most of the fathers I know are like that.

Happy birthday, Alfredo Jr.
I know it is not yet father's day or month, but I would love to manifest a grateful heart. You fathers are awesome!

I particularly would like to thank my father who is celebrating his 51st birthday. Happy birthday dear papa!

I may not be able to give you fancy gifts as of the moment, but allow me to thank you with my kind words.

On behalf of us three (with your eldest who is now in heaven), I sincerely would like to thank you for raising us all well. Without your great genes, we would not be this good-looking and intelligent (sorry ma, it is dad's birthday naman today).

I thank God for having you as our father. You were able to give us childhood, teenage years, and young adulthood. You had been with me on the first time I stood in front of a live audience and sang a song during preschool. You had been with me the first time I won during an art contest. You had been with me and celebrated with others the first time I got into the dean's list.

I thank you for being straightforward although at times I do not like to be confronted by you. You were able to demonstrate what democracy is in the family, and what responsibility is. Above those things, you showed to us that God should be the most essentia. l person in our lives. No buts and what ifs.

I know it was not easy to raise the three of us because we certainly have different personalities, needs, and wants. I, for one, would love to be spoiled with yours and mama's time as I share the things I learned within a particular day.

I thank you for the undying support and for never giving up on us. I know it is hard because our schedules do not coincide with each other, but you still manage to make time.

I am sorry that I have disappointed you for leaving law school soon and for having failed relationships. Despite these disappointments, you never shut your door on me but has welcome me warmly. But please, always bear in mind that you are our (mine and ate Jhad's first love)

Although we have a lot of disagreements, we would never imagine having a different father. You are our super hero, my mom's first love and frenemy, our loud speaker, and the most annoying alarm clock early in the morning.

Thank you for loving our mom and trying to make her happy. May you relationship grow as a couple unto the Lord.

Happy birthday dear father!

We know your heart more than any family or friends of yours. We are so proud of how you have become and yet you remained humble. We will continue on praying for your success. We know you will be promoted. God will shower you more with a lot of blessings in life including your apos in the future .

Love,

Jhad Lith, Johanna Gail, Dahlia, and Jose Alfredo

^{@gailbelga or Johanna Gail is a free-spirited freelance artist. She took up Bachelor of Arts in International Studies in one of the Ateneo universities in the Philippines. She is currently a candidate for Masters in Public Administrations. She volunteers in various non-profit/nongovernmental organization which aims for human rights through political education. She draws and writes about the country to provide awareness and promote the Philippines to foreign tourists.}