As what all my friends know, I am a father's girl.. and will always be.
I am his ultimate fan. My tales of him, how he lived, how he lives, how he worked to feed us are just all around. Ask me, and I'll tell you proudly.
But what I'd like to share now about him is a story of survival and faith. As cliche as it is, the saying "Never give up." would sometimes have a real story behind it.
2002 was the year when I thought my life was about to end. My dad was diagnosed with 3rd Degree - Lung Cancer.
Number 5 was the worst number for me back then.
No removal of right lung - Approximately, 5months to live.
Removal of right lung - Approximately, 5years to live.
It was such a painful thought. But more painful than that, was the possibility of even losing him while undergoing the procedure if his body couldn't take it. He was already 61years old at that time.. and very weak. Even he was not sure if he would survive.
The family conversations about funerals and other things revolving death were already really killing me. I couldn't take it.
I remember one time.. I was in tears.. I approached my dad and said, "Daddy, if they are ready to let you go, I am NOT. Pag namatay ka, asahan mo, magpapakamatay na din ako." He just looked at me painfully. Yes. It was so like the movies.
So, we had his right lung removed.
It was a terrifying ordeal back then after my dad's right lung was removed. It was like living in different hospitals and spending holidays there as well. My dad couldn't stand. He was in pain and He totally looked like a vegetable. Bottles and bottles of morphine were ordered every week or so. He was talking about things that no human could ever comprehend. And it really scared us. It scared me. It scared me a lot.
It took years before he was finally able to stand again and walk around. Yes, It took years. But all I was really thinking about at that time was omitting 2007 out of our lives - The 5th year.
It is 2013 now. 11 years after.
The curse of the number 5 is now long gone.
Until now whenever I pray, I always say, "Lord, hindi ko makakalimutan kung gaano ako ka-lakas sayo na ang isang hiling na buong puso kong hiningi sayo ay tinupad mo.." And I will always be grateful. Eternally. I know that inevitably, time will come and I will be alone. But during the times when we really fought for it, I could clearly say that It was worth it.
So you see.. Have faith, pray and "Never give up."
Happy 72nd Birthday Daddy! I am still hoping for more of your birthdays to come! Many many more.. You know I love you so much. You will always be "The Philosophy king", "Ang taong hindi marunong magsinungaling", my "Frenemy" and of course, you will always be "The Best Dad".
