Dear Dad

Hi Dad,

Just wanted to leave you a note (yeah, I know you have internet there)... Just like what I posted on my FB status this morning, I'm gonna say it again (just in case you did not check my FB).

You left us 20 years ago, on this very day. And things really went crazy. I guess I dont need to tell you why and how. Just ask them, in case you were busy roaming around with your best friend, just like how you spent weekends before.

I just wanted to say how I miss you... I miss you soo bad. By the way, you missed my wedding. Ninang was there, and she was the only one from famiglia nostra. At some point, I felt I didn't belong to any family, but I know I'm blessed that the Other Guin's famiglia loves me as their own. When I also saw the faces of my friends who had gone out of their way just to attend our wedding, I know they are also mia famiglia. I just felt bad for those who were not able to make it, but who wanted to. And I feel sorry for those who opted not to for what ever reason...

I know you were there somewhere. I know you were watching us when Mum and sis walked with me down the aisle. And I know you wished you would've been there too.

God, I miss you so!

='(

Dear Dad

Dad and I circa 1986

Happy birthday, Dad. You would have been 78 tomorrow.

I am writing to you just to let you know that in 3 days, I will be walking down the aisle, to marry the man I love so dearly. Mom and JV will be waiting for me at the aisle, where you would have held Mom's hand, and walk down with me.

Things have been very busy lately, as the day lingers just around the corner. You know that we have been independent in preparing everything. I feel that somehow you are proud of what we have done, preparing and organizing everything. Well, what can I say, I had probably got that from you. Remember when we put up those parties as home: birthdays, Christmases and New Years, and even Sunday lunches? Somehow, I feel I'm so used to planning gatherings and parties because of those we had when I was kid. There are times that I think of how you would plan this day: What would you have done, your inputs, your vision, how would you have seen the whole thing. And I feel so sorry that you were not here to do what I think would have been one of those special occasions you would plan for months.