Mauie Flores

My siblings often say that I am our father's favorite child. I think I am more if his worst enemy.

My father never believed in the saying "Spare the rod, spoil the child." He may have yelled at us when were still naughty little kids but spanking never was his style of discipline. Well, at least, for my siblings. I had my taste of a once-in-a-lifetime spanking when I was twelve years old. I have been so bratty and disrespectful. I can't remember what exactly happened that day but I shouted "Wag niyo akong pakialaman!" at him. That was how bad I was that my father was not able to control his anger.

Today is his special day. (He is now 58.) I hope I can somehow make up for the wrongdoings I have done by writing about how I appreciate him. He may not be the typical father that our society dictates. He may not have provided well for us. He may be the most misunderstood person in the world. Still, he is my father and I feel the love towards me that he shows through his own little ways.

Just last week, I came to a point of hating myself when he told me "Bakit kapag tumitingin ka sa akin para kang galit?" I was speechless and I wasn't able to say I'm sorry. He walked away, I know, with a heavy heart. I know I hurt his feelings again. There was no more spanking this time but what he said was enough to make me realize what I have done. I wasn't really mad at him. It was just unfortnate that he was there on the worst of all the worst days I have ever had. I know I should have never made him suffer from my mood swings. The following day, I bought him some of the Hopiang Baboy he was craving for as a peace offering. A day after, he bought some Kariman for me for merienda. We were fine after that, thankfully.

Happy Birthday, Papa! I am sorry for all the hurt I have caused you all these years. Believe it or not, I am still praying and wishing for more birthdays to spend with you. I love you!