At a little past three am yesterday my father passed away in his sleep. The patriarch of our family is now gone. His legacy is not of wealth or material possessions, but of perserverance and character that will transcend generations.
He was kind and gentle. Fiercely loyal to a fault. He would give you the shirt off his back to help. Some even took advantage of it. But the one thing that resonates with me about him is he always dreamed big. We were from a small town in the Philippines but he was certain that our fortunes were someplace else. Someplace bigger.
Even while we were separated for ten years waiting for immigration papers to mature, he kept encouraging us to study and prepare for a new life in the United States. He made the most of what was given to him and we followed suit.
He had fought tenaciously for thirteen years battling various illnesses with the courage of a warrior. As the dedication in my book reads, he truly had the heart of champion. One's true character rises from adversity and he certainly showed his.
My father lived a life worth remembering by inspiring us to fight for what what is dear to us. To always follow your instincts and to always dream big. I am certain i'll be facing many dark hours myself. But i'll always have my dad's courage to draw from.
I will truly miss him.
My brother Ron's post is HERE
18 comments:
Louie,
I know what a terribly sad time this is. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Nancy
My family's thoughts are with you and yours. Take care.
a
Louie,
take good care. These are difficult times for you and your family. I am sorry for your loss.
nicole
Louie, I am deeply sorry to hear about your father. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Reading yours and Ronnie's posts, it seems that your father gave a lot of himself so that his children could have a bright future. Truly, a life well-lived and worth celebrating.
Louie,
My thoughts are with you and your family. From reading your post, your father sounded like a wonderful man. Truly sorry to hear about your loss. Take care my friend.
Patrick
Louie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Justin
Louie, I am truly saddened by your loss. You and Ronnie are very lucky to have a father like that, one who showed so much unconditional love and support. My prayers are with you and your family. Take care buddy.
Lou,
I'm sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family. I'll talk to you later.
B
Louie,
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
D.
Louie,
This is very sad news. My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care.
Ted
Sorry for your loss Louie, my thoughts are with you through this difficult time.
Take care.
Stef
Louie:
So sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I'm sure he was very proud of you guys. Our thoughts are with you and yours.
Take care,
Chris & Eiko
May he rest in peace. Louie and Ronnie, you have my heartfelt sympathies.
Dear Louie,
I just heard the sad news. I'm sure your dad was so proud of you---he got to see his child succeed in the field he loved ---what dad could ask for more then to know his kids were doing well out in the world. From reading your posts he had an amazing life and its obvious you appreciated him so much.
Take care Louie, my heart goes out to you and your family.
Kuya Louie,
It's unfortunate that I rediscovered you and this site under sad circumstances, however it is still a blessing. Our hearts go out to you.
Len del Carmen
Louie (& Ronnie),
Our thoughts are with you. I'm sure you will continue to honor your father's life and dreams with your own.
Lee-Roy
I am so, so sorry to hear about your father's passing. I almost lost my father recently to a heart attack, I can't imagine how difficult it would be to live without him. You and your family will be in my prayers.
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