Late post, circa 2008; The man who will always have my heart.

Writer's Note: I discovered this article tonight, as I browsed my drafts. And I recalled when I wrote it -- the day after we picked up Papa from the airport in January of 2008, when he was forced to retire from work due to sickness. Unfortunately, he did not get to walk me down the aisle last month. *sobs* 

He is a stranger to me. And yet something in him is very familiar.

I was excited, nervous, and anxious to see him for the first time… yet again.

After four years, there he was, standing in front of me, wobbling a bit, fragile, but smiling. I saw in his eyes this overwhelming happiness. I hugged him, careful not to crush his very weak state.

And we went to the car. I watched him with the corner of my eyes. And I remembered everything-- the way he makes me laugh, his crazy stories, his antics. I remember perfectly how he so dearly calls me “Til-til” with his Visayan accent. I remember how annoying he can get, especially when he talks like he knows everything (well, yes, he does knows everything), his wisdom, his hunger for knowledge, his passion for everything that he does.

And I remember, how every year, I would mourn for him leaving me, and the people who loves him.

He must’ve mourned greater. After all, it was him who's out there on his own, in that war stricken jungle.

I remember the great moments I wish he witnessed and the lowest times when I wish he was there to comfort me.

But now, here he is in front of me, in his funny usual self. And I’m at awe.

I thought I’ve loved a man so great already. But this man, in front of me, is my greatest love.

My father.

My hero.

I’m proud to be called his daughter, to bear his name. He had my heart ever since.

One day, God will give me a man with a beautiful heart like his. And my hero, will walk me down the aisle, to the man who best deserves his “Til-til.”