LESSONS FROM DAD… part 2…
Lesson #5 – Dad taught me to NEVER open gifts before Christmas!
Dad knew the meaning of timing. He also knew that the suspense of waiting for Christmas day increased the value of the gifts he gave us. He said waiting was a good thing. He did allow us to touch, sniff and shake the boxes though. But we were not allowed to open them until the morning of December 25.
Dad made Christmas so magical for me and my sister – gifts would suddenly appear under the tree. And we always had hot chocolate with marshmallows, a turkey dinner and a silver Christmas tree full of shiny ornaments.
To this day, I wait for Christmas day, December 25, to open all gifts given to me. Including the raffle gifts I win
at parties. I’m serious. It’s a family rule, in fact, so my children AND husband all have to wait for December 25. It’s how I honor my Dad.
Waiting for the right time to do the right thing is indeed a great lesson Dad tried to teach me.
Lesson #6 – Dad taught me How to be Brave.
Do you remember the terrible Baguio Quake that shook Manila? Well, I remember that day CLEARLY.
I just arrived at home and was solving a crossword puzzle and eating a bowl of noodles for merienda when some of the noodles jumped onto my puzzle. I was disoriented for a moment then realized IT WAS AN EARTHQUAKE. Not just any earthquake but an EARTH SHATTERING EARTHQUAKE.
I freaked out like there was no tomorrow, grabbed my helper who fainted and dragged her to the door jamb – I heard somewhere that door jambs are safe daw – then with my other hand I grabbed the telephone and right there at the door jamb, fell to my knees and started praying like a lunatic. I really thought we were going to die.
Dad had just woken up from a nap and stepped out of his room. And saw me with a phone in my left hand, my helper in my right arm, down on my knees asking God for forgiveness.
He started to laugh and laugh and laugh. As if there was no earthquake going on. I remember how cool he looked and how pink his cheeks were from the laughing at me. He was like Jesus in the middle of a storm wondering why I was so afraid.
Dad really was such a brave man – and an American hero for his selfless service during WW2. At his funeral, the US Army gave him a 21 gun salute.
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hi joyce. just read ur entry. loved it! am shedding tears here. missing my dad too. nice to finally meet yours via your beautiful memoirs and the hilarious earthquake anecdote. belated happy father’s day to ron.
Haaaay Caroline! I still remember the days when your Dad would pick you up at ABS CBN. HE REALLY cherished you as a daughter. I would love to know about the best lessons he taught you… maybe one day soon you can tell me when we find time to have coffee together. I love you, mwah…
hi , its darlene again. wow great lessons from your dad. great stories from your childhood. we have something in common, my dad served in the US navy. =) we know how military fathers are to their daughters. great great stories =) .. i can relate to how proud you are of your father having served in the war and all the military heroes (whether american or not). my father’s ship assisted in the recent japanese tragedy and transported the seal 6 team during their mission… i am so touched by the military’s efforts for the country which so many people take advantage of. i really enjoy your blogs and was pleasantly surprised with this part of your life. =) more success to you! =)