My Dad, My Mentor

Who am I today is a result of my Dad's mentoring. He is not a genius nor a true blooded professional , in fact , he was just an ordinary rank and file employee in a famous hotel chain in the 80s.

But he mentored me first to believe in my self and my capabilities. He taught me how to weave my dreams by doing good in my education. He did everything possible to provide for me a good education. Up until now that confdence lead me to opportunities that gave me a better life and a better perspective of things around me.

While I was growing up we had a hard life, maybe because we were seven in the family and my Dad was the only one working. Though on the side  my Mom was having small buy and sell ventures of her own. Plus the many supportive relatives we had both here and abroad ( my Tita Baby, Tita Leony , Tita Norma, Tito Totoy , etc ) . But this did not deter my Dad to provide for my future. He did not finished his education, not even his high school education because he got married at any early age of 18. But despite these odds and the prodding of some relatives that as a girl, I will just get married and not worth to invest in my future.

Together we journey through life,and when I graduated in college and work, I guess  he was the happiest person on earth. He was so proud of me and my accomplishments. I remember during family reunions, he would brag with our so called rich relatives that he does not have material possessions, but we , his children, are his treasures.

Most of my rich relatives have problems with their children's behavior. And us, Dad, was proud because we were all doing good in school, most of us were even scholars in our respective universities.

Mentors are not just people who provide us with technical knowledge but like Dad, he gave me values and motivation to succeed in life. He has joined the Lord 9 years ago but until now the values he has instilled in my spirit still prevails. I still persevere, create new dreams for myself and strive to be a better person. During his funeral wake, there were a lot of people telling us how Dad help them in some ways. Funny, we got to know about it only when he passed away. He serve not just his family but even other people, in whatever way he can. He did not have the materials riches to boast of but he has spiritual riches through serving others.

Now that I am at this point in my life when my focus shift to my other life journey, my children pretty soon will  all be college graduates and I have the resources to make a difference in other's lives . Just like Dad, he was able to make a difference in other people's lives.

I miss you Dad, now that I have time to focus on what really matters in life...I wish we could go to a nearby mall and have a lunch date...just the two of us ...just simply talking about how life is ...how are days are spent ...just a slow day to unwind and bond .

When you were still with us , I was so busy earning a living for my family. I did not have the luxury of time then to have lunch dates . My life then was so full of work activities and responsibilities. I hardly had time even for myself  and one time you told me even to my kids. All I have then was my career because I believe this is the source of my income to provide for the needs of my kids.

In 2003, when you went to be with the Lord, I re-evaluated my life and priorities. I decided to resign and leave my flourishing career. I was  at the top of my career , with access to the top management of  my company being a Department Manager. But I left all these material trimmings and went to focus with my family. Dad was always telling me I don't have time for my kids. So for  four (4) years, I was a stay at home Mom, doing all the housework and cooking . I wish Dad was seeing me doing these for my kids and the lunch date with him.

How will I make that difference like what Dad did ? I will share with others the wisdom that my life and work experience has given me. I will continue conducting workshops on Goal Setting , Managing Stress and Leadership Development . Someday I will write a book on Healing, Blessings and Miracles.

Just like Dad, I don't have the material possessions to boast of but my knowledge and experience I can share.. how I was able to achieve all my dreams ...how the Lord has blessed me and my family by being faithful to Him.

THANKS DAD,  you are the best ... as always...