Saturday, September 10, 2005

Everytime people say we were raised well, they don't seem to remember that you practically raised us by yourself during our formative years because Papa was always away. Of course we always felt his presence even if he was not always with us because you would insist that we write to him almost every week and that we talk to him at least once a month but it was you who were with us everyday, watching as we interact with our playmates, buying the things we need, helping us with our homeworks and disciplining us when we needed to be disciplined. Maybe that is why when we were growing up, you were always the "bad" parent for me because you were the one who always scolded me whenever I did something wrong. I also always thought you loved my brother more than me because you seem to favor him more than me. But now I realize that it is not because you love me less but because I really am a papa's girl that I can get away with almost anything with Papa (hehehehe!).

I know I don't tell you often but I really appreciate your sacrifice for us. You left behind your career as a teacher and opted to stay home with us when we started living here in Manila. Even though we had maids, you still made it a point to wake up early so that you can fix my hair and bid us goodbye as we board the school bus at 5:00 in the morning. When I was in college, during medical school and residency, you never once demanded from me that I help out around the house even if we didn't have maids because you saw how hard I was studying hence you want me to just sleep and rest whenever I can.

You may not tell us often but I know you are proud of what me and my brother has become. I can see the glow in your eyes when people tell you you and Papa are so lucky or when you introduce us to people. I know sometimes we argue about things but I guess its just natural because you and Papa raised us to have minds of our own.

Today, on your birthday, I want you to know that I really appreciate all that you have done for us. And yes, you are right, we will all be lost without you. I love you very much. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!