‘You taught me that life is about shared experiences’
Hey Dad,
Do you remember those times you would take me to the downtown area in Cebu where there were still kalesas, and you would ask the kutchero if I could sit up front and perhaps even hold the reins for a bit? That was fun. Those were some of my earliest memories. Now that I’m grown, I try to give my own kids, Maia, Andrea, and Marlie, the same kind of experiences as much as I can, because it meant a lot to me when we spent those times together.
Some days when I catch a good movie, I think of you and how much you might enjoy watching it too, and how we might talk about it afterward.
I remember you pointing out foreshadowing in the plot and other stuff that went over my head as a child. I realize now that you always shared your experiences with everyone around you. It wasn’t enough for you that you enjoyed them. Other people should enjoy them, too.
You showed me the nuances of life. Thank you for doing that, Dad. You taught me that life is about shared experiences. Thank you for the time you spent with us. I’ll forever cherish every second of it. I love you, and I’ll hug your grandkids for you when I get home. We all miss you, Pops. Until we see each other again, okay?
Love,
Your youngest boy, Martin
Martin Juan is the son of Pedro Juan Jr.
