Bringing forth a heritage

My dad’s heart is not doing well these days. One of the side effects of this new drug is that it makes him feel dizzy. Dad had a heart attack when he was just 65, he underwent an open heart surgery, and doctors say it is just too early for him to have such a heart attack. That was 2004.
This October, dad will turn 70. There will not be any 5 star sumptuous meal because of his dietary constraints. But I want to be here for him.



Being away for the past 7 years on mission, now I am on mission at home. I haven taken some time off, slowing down community responsibilities to be in Singapore instead of Manila. Being responsible is a good virtue, and this is what my parents have taught me as a rule of life. And I took that very seriously in all that I do in entire life and especially so in the mission. But now ‘being responsible’ took on a new meaning. There will be other people who can be ‘responsible’ for the community and the members in it, but I am the only one who can be ‘responsible’ for my parents. No one else can fill this place.


Being at home the past 4 days made me realize the many treasures that dad never taught me. Just on the day I arrived, as if there is no time left, as if it was of utmost importance, he got ready ingredients to make his favourite ‘Yam cake’. A tradition handed down from his mother, but which he perfected. I had asked about the recipe some years back and had not been successful in making it on my own. We both made it together 3 days ago. It pained me to see his hands shake uncontrollably when he held on to the small saucer of very few ingredients.
Something clicked inside me. He wants this tradition to continue and he wants to impart it to me. ME! It is his way of saying, ‘there really isn’t that much time left, and here’s my gift to you, to remember me by.’


The Yam Cake turned out very nice. And we finished the whole 8 inch tin within a few hours. The next day we made another one, and half of it was gone within the hour it was cooked. It turned out even nicer than the first day’s.


My gratitude for his alertness even in this difficult time of his life is limitless. Though he feels even weaker now, panting even to carry a 2kg bag of fruit, dad is already letting go slowly.


“Thanks Dad, for all the years of toiling, self sacrificing, caring and loving for me. You are the best!”


“Thank YOU Father God for giving me this very precious time to spend in Singapore. You have indeed moved mountains and shifted events to make this never-to-be-repeated moment happen NOW. I will forever treasure this. Please bless all those who have made this time possible for me. THANK YOU!”