My dad had a habit of nagging. Not only to me but pretty much to everyone in the house. He nagged about things that should always be organized, to always eat healthy food and avoid doing non-sense stuff that hinders or takes away our attention from school as our top priority. But nevertheless, now I know that he was just doing all of those because he wanted the best for me and my siblings.

My Dad hated excuses, he wanted things to be done fast and smooth. He hated people who did things slow and sloppy, he wanted to watch how we did our assignments and tasks. He always wanted us to do more of what we thought we can only do, but then again I now know that he was just pushing us harder because he loved us and didn’t want us to settle for mediocrity.

He eats almost anything but shares with us. He takes eating together a priority, he always wants to eat with us even if it’s impossible. I remember one time he got home with a bucket of chicken and set the table. Dragged each of us to eat lunch with him, he also said that we need to eat fast because he is due for work. Later that day my Mom told me that Dad just got home for lunch because he wanted to eat with the whole family.

He always shouts, he always looks grumpy and unreachable. He always talks about future, good education and working hard. He whines when he sees me and my siblings not taking things seriously. Fast forward to today, I think his grumpiness prepared us for the daily grind of our respective careers.

He hated boys who talks to me or those looking and wants to approach me and ask for my number. He hated people who are teasing me or my siblings, he hated most specially boys who wanted to court me. He taught me to focus more on

My dad loves beer. He loves to drink with his colleagues… it’s like his own way of relaxation and also to socialize. He knows his limits though and does not put beer in his head that will make him loose himself. It’s just his way of relieving his stress but one thing I admire about him was that even though he does drink, he never forgets to do his responsibilities as a father. He’s always around when we need him.

My dad is attractive and have some women’s eyes over him. He’s a good conversationalist too and am pretty sure he’s had a lot of admirers despite him married and with kids. But in spite of all these I know that his heart belong to my mom only. No doubt!

He lied that he is strong, he lied that he was going to stay strong no matter what, he lied to me about going to my graduation. He lied that he was going to be there for me on that special day.  But sadly, he left so soon. He left even before those promises were fulfilled, he died before my Graduation day.

He left on the day of his own birthday.

It’s been almost a year since my dad passed. I still remember the good times. The laughs we shared, the bonding moments we had when I was a kid, those happy times with our family, I even remember our arguments clearly. God, I miss him so much.

My Dad said that he was going to be there for me always. With me through my ups and downs. Thru the good times and bad times. He promised to be the shoulder I can cry on, to be the strength I need when I am about to give up.

But things happen for a reason. There are things way beyond our control. It was more than a year when he was diagnosed with heart enlargement that ultimately took his life. I remember his struggles, I can still see his pain. Now he is in a better place and he is at peace. He’s probably looking down on us with a smile knowing that we are living up to his standards and that we’re doing our best to make him proud.

I hate you for making me miss you so much but I love you very much Dad!