SUICIDE OUTBREAK: Round Two

Cure #4: A daughter's message

Cure #4: A daughter's message

I slowly looked at the faces of every person who attended the wake of my beloved father. In the back, I saw her, my mom, sitting and looking at me. Again, my irritation towards her suddenly bursts, but I've just paid no attention to it. I don't want to spoil this time to be provoked by her presence.

I closed my eyes to compose myself. Memories of him came rushing in.

Like the time that I kept crying because I find out that my brother died because of the negligence of my mother. I love my brother as much as I love my father. I intended to get him from my mother when he's old enough, but he died.

My mom and dad separated when I'm seven years old and my brother is three that time. Confused on what's happening, I chose my father thinking that he's going to have a vacation. You see, I liked to travel.

Days went by and my curiosity strikes.

"Dad, when will we go home? I wanted to share with Manny (lil bro) stories. Like the time where we went hiking and catch insects. When you brought me to your office and played with your co-workers. And when we went to a carnival and ate ice cream. It was so much fan!"

"First of all, I thank those who are here. In any way, I know he touches your lives. Each of you here had your own relationship with my Dad; furthermore, each of you has your own set of memories that describes him," I smiled sweetly at them. I looked at their faces that show agreement to what I said.

"You see, it is a difficult task for me to stand before you and honor him without shedding any tear. There are no words to express his influence in my life. Losing him is one of the most difficult things I have gone through, but I realize how fortunate I was to have him as my father. I really do feel that the quality time I spent with him was enough lessons for me to live on," I continued.

"My father showed the strength of a man who truly loves his wife. My father's example to us was that a man could strive to have a relationship with a woman based on love and mutual respect, not on some brute force."

My mind wanders back at the time where my mom and my dad where happily looking at each other's eyes and holding each other's hand while uttering their undying love to one another. They even made simple moments of life - eating or sleeping - take on a gorgeous quality. For a child back then, it grosses me out; but then, I admired their relationship. It feels like I was watching a romantic movie starring my parents. Never-ending love.

I smiled at what I thought and speak again, "However, he was no saint by any means. As a child, I always looked forward to my father's childhood friends, "Uncle Fred" and "Uncle Hunter" coming over to the house. Their fascinating stories about their youthful days make me saw a different side of my father." I giggled as I remember their stories.

"He was a practical joker, for me, at least. I remember when my dad brought out the handcuffs, which were fake, and dangled it in the face of my date which made my date sweat profusely even though it was hot. Or even the 'interrogation time' with my suitors with a fake gun. The reactions of the guys were epic. Oh boy! It was funny. But, I am sure that my father was just protecting me. And I thank him," I stated while holding my laughter and tears.

"Dad lived a good life." I cleared my throat as I continued my speech, "He respected and cherished us all. He held values which helped make the person I am today. I will always be thankful for the influence he had on my life while growing up. Though I hate that he left without hearing my words of affection, but I hope he's happy, wherever he is."

I suddenly recall the scene where I found him dead. It was evening, and I came home late because of my work. I called his name, after I put down my bag.