To the Two Great Gifts of my Life

It’s not in my personality to praise someone publicly as a general sense of gratitude or affection, but I believe after some turn of events and the reflection time given to me by my bed-rest sickness, I realized it’s very much deserved.

I’ve had a recent bout with my parents about my conviction that clashed with theirs. I don’t quite agree with their conservative attitude which definitely is the opposite spectrum of my liberal point of view, but one thing stuck with me in that period and it’s the concept of honoring your parents.

The quarrel subsided after two weeks with me retracting my actions as well. It wasn’t a best end but not a worst either to solve a problem.

Now, I’m not really the most honorable man, nor did I dissect the word and coined respect on a cultured level (aka Japanese) but I would say I am the contrary and it’s pretty obvious from my social media that when birthdays come or a day made for the parent happens (Mother’s Day or Father’s Day) I don’t post a photo of my parents with a long note appreciating how they are. While a lot of my friends do it, I don’t. It’s not my personality and taste to do so, but neither do I do it privately, so there’s that lack of celebration again other than eating together.

So, I’m taking this opportunity as I rest with a clear head and a rested body and mind to appreciate both people that sustained and were part of the development of who I am today:

To my mom

While I have so many opposing and critical views of your decisions and opinions, I have never failed to felt loved by you. While there are instances I did not appreciate you being in part of my good times, you have always been when I am in need.

It’s pretty obvious you’re not the perfect mom, not that anyone can claim that actually. We had a not so good past with a lot of flaws, but it’s the way that you are able to sense when I need you that puts you at a huge difference from any other graceful lady with children.

We know you tried to fill a lot of roles, a tutor, cook, consultant, secretary and now, even a pharmacist. Growing up, I appreciate you fulfilling those roles when we had no one to turn to. But for the pharmacist specifically, I still have my reservations about your choice of medication though they work when push comes to shove, everytime. One thing you should know is that they can already market themselves and you don’t have to sell it to us too hard.

Your acts of service has always been felt, right now I’m taking this opportunity to acknowledge it. Thank you.

To my dad

I’ve told it to you and I will repeat it again and again, I am proud of the father you are growing to be. You’ve changed a lot for the better and I will always look up to you on that. You prove that nothing is impossible for anyone who has the desire to change.

I’m sorry I always seem to forget the movies you ask me to download, for prioritizing work above you. I’ll get to work in putting measures to improve my value of urgency and I have great hope that I can improve because of you.

I don’t know your love language honestly, but I know how much effort it takes for you to confront me each time I make a mistake or to remind me of possible temptations. While I honestly am not enthusiastic of such encounters, I do know it’s your way to tell me you care. I’ve always appreciated that.

Ma, Pa, please take good care of yourselves, there is so much more good things to come. Even though we don’t really agree on a lot of things, I will do my best to honor you both in the means I know how and can do, and this is one of them. I love you :)