what i learned from my dad? [post-Father's day blog]

if mothers bear us out in this world, fathers provide sustainance for us to keep living in this world...mostly, mothers are given so much importance but we fail to realize that no child would be born with egg cells alone [just being honest^_^]...at present, we are fully aware that there are single parents around, but i am just so lucky and blessed that my dad and mom have been partners thru the years to keep our family going...

so i just thought of making my own list too like the one posted on the Phil. Daily Inquirer last Sunday [june 21, 2009]...

what did i learn from my father???
1. EAT AND LIVE HEALTHY --- my dad has been our influence in a lot of ways to live longer...eat fruits, veggies and fish [which i can tolerate for days]...drink tea...do some long walks or exercise in the morning...no to smoking [because he quit smoking when i was 6 years old]...get a medical check-up with the doctor when symptoms persist...
2. POVERTY ISN'T A HINDRANCE TO EDUCATION --- and truly i say to you...it is not!!!...my dad grew up being a working student just to sustain his education...utilized his knowledge in chess and became a college varsity player to finish college...he kept telling us these stories when we were kids and he was never ashamed to tell these...not to for us to feel pity but to realize that having no allowance should not stop anyone to continue studying and be successful...
3. THERE IS NO YOUNG OR OLD AGE TO DO SOMETHING NEW -- my dad's love for cartoons esp. the Disney stuff and playing computer games and cooking as a new hobby [at the age of 50-something] are just examples that i will keep in mind as i get older...
4. TRAVELING IS A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE
5. BEING GOOD IN WRITING AND SPEAKING IN ENGLISH BUILDS BRIDGES -- English is one of the universal languages...ever since i was a child, my dad never gave up in teaching me to be fluent in English...i stopped during my elementary years because my classmates would tease me of being a nerd or a spoiled brat every time i spoke in English...but as i grew older, the language lead to one of my passions in life - writing...not only that, being in another country, English helps =)
6. BETTER BE THE BOSS OF YOUR OWN BUSINESS THAN A SIMPLE WORKER -- well, this i have to work on thru time definitely...my dad kept encouraging us to put up our own businesses soon...and from the many testimonies i've heard of taking preferences to have a business than just be an employee, i shall be heading on to that soon enough...
7. THE ESSENCE OF PRAYERS AND DETERMINATION -- need i say more???

and lastly, the poem i've heard from my dad for ages...as in ages...and this never fails...i may have forgotten a few lines from it, but this poem will really remind me of him for the rest of my life...

8. DESIDERATA by Max Ehrmann

Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

it may be belated...but still...Happy Father's Day to all the awesome hardworking and disciplinarians all over the world...a big shoutout to my Father...i may not be expressive but my love and prayers will always be for his best and my family...

calai^_^