Let Your Father Be

Let your father be. It's the least thing you can do in his aging years.

You'll never know and you can never fathom the hardships he's been through back in the days. He labored under the heat of the scorching sun to provide you a living. He spared himself of the food that could have glorified his stomach just to give you that extra doughnut. He attended several PTA meetings for you despite his towering workload. How many posts or bamboo fences has he done for you for your school requirements? Do you still remember those rainy days when he would fetch you from school so you don't get drenched in the rain? How about the time when he let you go to that outing in high school even though your mother highly opposed it? He is your side-kick of some sort. He loves you unconditionally, that's unquestionable. And now let him be.

Now that you've got your own work and money to spend, spoil your father. Treat him out in a movie or something. Find time to talk to him. Inquire about how his day has passed. Tell him about your new boyfriend. Tease him if it's okay to marry this man. Joke around him, laugh with him. And enjoy every moment you are with him.

Show him places that he wasn't able to visit in his younger days. Go on a date with him. Visit and discover secret nooks together. Teach him the ways in an arcade, for sure he will be amazed with that. Play that hockey thing and shoot some basketball. If he's knees are still good as good, ask him to go try doing the zipline with you. It will be one crazy experience, something he'll never ever forget. Go try that slide in the resort nearby. Let him be the kid that he was again.

Let your father be your father. Though he can be like your brother, your friend, at the end of the day, his main role is still as your father. Listen to his advice. Heed to his suggestions. When he says no, think a thousand times before defying him. Or better yet, do not defy him. He may not have the intellect and knowledge you've scavenged from the university, but his wisdom will forever be unparalleled. Respect his views. Be considerate to his opinions because old people tend to be more sensitive. Still, challenge his ideas from time to time. He would feel even proud upon learning that his daughter has grown to be someone to reckon with due to her strength as a woman and his brainy head that is surely not to be belittled.

Let your father be the story teller. Indulge in his tales of childhood, his early conquers at winning your mother's heart, his crazy antics with his friends back then. While drinking coffee, encourage him to sing. You won't hear him sing one of Adam Levine's song I bet, but surely his voice will be a melody that's worth putting in repeat in your playlist. A father's sweet lullaby, so sweet.

Let your father be and love him for everything that he is and will be. Tomorrow will be always an uncertain thing , so do it now. Just let your father be.