It was 2 o’clock in the dawn of May 18, 2009, our Kuya Tony sent us SMS saying

Natumba si Daddy. Uwi kayo.

About 2:38am, Ate Gina sent another text message.

“…please pray for Ptr. Pedro Casana…heart attack”

Ate Ruth woke me up. She called Angkay Tony to ask what happened. All he said,

“Kasay na…kasay na…(he’s gone, he’s gone)”

The silence of the dawn was broke. We were shocked. Ate Ruth cried so hard.  The only words that I uttered “Daddy, bakit ngayon pa?” After few minutes of shrill and cry of Ate, it was then that I have absorbed the message that our Dad is gone. Our beloved Daddy is gone.  That time tears fell from my eyes and I started saying,

Good thing I bought him his belt. At least I was able to keep my promise on his last birthday (April 29).

I haven’t even told him I’ve been promoted. He should even felt more proud of his child.

We haven’t even experienced to travel riding a plane or a ferry (either to Bohol or Boracay).

We haven’t celebrated his birthday yet in an “eat all you can” restaurant. As I’ve promised him before.

Our house is still under construction (few months more and it’s done). He should have experienced living in a house where he need not to worry even in the midst of a strong storm.

It made me remind of his words that he told me last New Year(2009), “Fulfilled na ako”. I remembered when we happily celebrated a bountiful New Year, happy and blessed. When he drunk the red wine that he wished; the grape fruit, the ham. He was so grateful that all he wished from us for Christmas and New Year were granted.

I could still feel his embrace when he arrived home when I felt bad about some words that my siblings jokingly said. His warm embrace, his love, his way of making me feel that he understands.

Our Daddy, our ever patient, honest, prayerful and hard working father who so faithful to the Lord up to the end. That even his last day on  Earth he did his best to preach to God’s people. He was able to declare to the world that he is prepared to die; that he have already imparted all his teachings to us, his children.

Our Daddy, our ever loving husband to our mother, a very supportive partner.

Our Daddy, a very generous Kuya to his siblings.

Our Daddy, our GREATEST Dad who is the BEST of all.

We are very grateful to God for giving you to us; for bringing us up and guiding us. For inheriting us the faith that God has gave you, thank you so much. With all these things, we all grew strong, high spirited children.

Daddy, Happy FATHER’s Day! ‘Though we can’t celebrate with you anymore. We love you so much!