POV

11.24.25

To My Beloved Papa and Pops Ingko,

Tears well up in my eyes as I write this.

For days, I've been carrying this weight in my heart, wanting to let it out but unsure how to begin.

Now, I've decided to pour my feelings into words, hoping that wherever you are, you can hear the whispers of my soul.

Let me start with you, Papa.

How are you, Pa?

I miss you-so much that it feels like my heart is being pulled in every direction, searching for you.

Words fall short of capturing this ache, this longing I've felt since the day you left.

Seven years have passed since you said goodbye, but the pain has never truly faded.

Time has moved forward, but my heart remains tethered to the memories of you.

Lately, you've been on my mind more than usual.

I don't know why.

Perhaps it's because I've been going through so much, and in moments like these, I wish I could run into your arms.

Do you remember how you used to hold me, Pa?

How your strong yet gentle embrace made me feel like nothing in the world could harm me?

I miss that. I miss you.

Life has been a rollercoaster, Pa.

You once told me, "Anak, ang buhay ay mahirap." You were right.

Life is not just hard; it's a labyrinth of challenges that sometimes feels impossible to navigate.

But you also taught me something even more valuable: "Kahit gaano kahirap, basta kasama mo ang Diyos, kaya mo." Those words have been my anchor.

I've carried every lesson you taught me, Pa.

I still remember the long talks we used to have-your gentle voice, your unwavering faith.

You said, "Kapag nasaktan ka ng iba, huwag kang gumanti." And, Pa, I've tried to live by that.

I've been hurt by words, actions, and even silence, but I chose to smile through the pain because I remembered what you taught me.

You always told me that anger is fleeting, but words spoken in anger leave permanent scars.

So when I feel the sting of hurt, I stay silent and pray.

It's hard, Pa, but it's the only way I know how to honor the wisdom you left behind.

You'd probably laugh if you saw me now-crying over this letter like a child.

I've become so emotional over the years, and sometimes, I wonder if I inherited this tender heart from you.

Mama says I did.

She always tells me how I have your happy-go-lucky personality and soft-hearted nature.

So much has happened since you left, Pa.

I've grown up, fallen in love, and, yes, had my heart broken too-just as you warned me.

You were right again; loving someone deeply comes with the risk of pain.

But it also teaches you lessons you wouldn't learn otherwise.

If only I could share those stories with you, Pa.

I wish you were here to guide me, to laugh with me, and to remind me that everything will be okay.

It hurts, Pa. Even after all these years, it hurts.

If only I could turn back time-just for a moment-to hug you, to tell you how much I love you, to thank you for everything.

You were more than a father; you were my guide, my protector, my first hero.

Now, let me turn to you, Pops Ingko.

Hi, Pops. How are you? Are you with Papa now?

I hope you are because the thought of you two together brings a little comfort to my aching heart.

I miss you, Pops.

It's been almost two years since you left, but the pain of losing you feels just as fresh.

Coming home isn't the same without you.

I miss our conversations, your laughter, and the way you listened to my stories.

You always made me feel like what I said mattered, like my thoughts were important.

You used to joke that life here wasn't for you-that you had no wife, no children and no real purpose.

But Pops, you were so wrong.

You were more than an uncle to me; you were like a second father.

After Papa passed away, you stepped in and filled a role I didn't even know I needed.

There's one memory of you that still breaks my heart.

I remember finding you crying behind the house that day, hiding your tears from the world.

People had mocked you, belittled you, and treated you unfairly-people who should have respected you.

I wanted so badly to stand up for you, to defend you, but I was too young and scared.

Instead, I cried in secret, just like you.

Even now, I carry the guilt of not doing more for you and the thought of it fills me with anger and sadness.

You didn't deserve the pain that others inflicted on you, Pops.

You deserved love, respect, and kindness.

I hope that wherever you are now, you've found the peace and happiness that this world couldn't give you.

Pops, losing you felt like losing Papa all over again.

It shattered me.

You left before I could tell you how much you meant to me, before I could thank you for everything you did for our family.

If I could go back, I would hug you tightly and let you know how deeply you were loved.

I'm not fully healed yet, Pops.

The wounds of losing you and Papa still bleed, and there are days when the grief feels suffocating.

But I hold on to the memories of you both-the laughter, the lessons, the love.

If only I could see you both one more time.

To sit with you, talk with you, and feel the warmth of your presence.

Until that day comes, I'll carry your love in my heart and live in a way that honors you both.

Thank you, Papa and Pops, for everything.

I miss you more than words can ever say.

With all my love, Your daughter and niece.