The leading man in my life

When I was little, many said that I was practically his copy. Indeed, I got his thick eyebrows and full lips (though not the dimpled chin which I sometimes envy). I remember one day when I performed a male role in a traditional dance, and the make up artist drew a fake moustache on me, his colleagues and friends commented on me being his young version.

That and a number of other occasions and sayings had convinced me on our physical resemblence.

There were days when this mere fact made me proud. He was the idol in the house, a figure associated with strength, warmth, coolness, and compassion. For a couple of years, I slept on his bed, forcing my mom to "change" her mate to my poor little sister, hehehe... We were close, and yet at times he could seem untouchable. I guess I could blame my mom for the latter, as she often told us not to "bother your dad, he's busy working." Hehhehe..

He didn't have a difficulty in showing his affection to his children, though on the striking contrary -- and this is a very funny thing -- he has never been easy in ACCEPTING our signs of affection. My sister used to tease him by hugging him tightly and planting hard, sloppy kiss on his cheek/forehead for several minutes, and that would make him awkward. He would giggle (yes, folks, giggle), his face would turn red, REAL red, and he'd try to release himself from my sister's arms.

He was a bit shy, though, in expressing his fondness to my mom in public. Like many people of his generation, he showed it by working hard and providing the needful things for the family. But when he does, it is sooo.. sweet. He once sent a birthday card to my mom when he was out of town for business, saying that he missed her and he was sending her a thousand hugs and kisses. That very rare gesture was of course a nice surprise.

Despite all those, yes, I did have hard times with him. We argued and debated and discussed various issues: my work, my study, my boyfriends, my sister's life, etc. I respect him, though, and thank him for respecting my decision and my opinion.

I'd like to write down here those moments I shared with him. From the time he didn't sleep all night, singing me a lullaby when I had quite a severe cold and refused to sleep unless he sings me (I think I was two or three years old), to when I went with him to a remote place in Virginia to inspect a car that I intended to buy. There are far too many, however, and all the words in this world will never be enough to describe his love and care.

I love him. Miss him bunches. Heck, I'm starting to cry typing this, hehehe...

Happy Father's Day to my current leading man (aka the subject of this post), and all other fathers who happen to be my friends, co-workers, acquaintances, fellow bloggers and chat partners. This post is dedicated to all of you too! :)