To My Dad:

Happy Birthday!

Today is my father's 55th birthday. Although we don't see eye to eye in many things, I hate to admit it, but in many ways I am like him. Stubborn, proud but reasonable.

Growing up I've never been close to my father. He was always away for work so we never had time to be close. When he was home he'd sit in front of his PC working mostly keeping to himself. My childhood memories of him was mostly filled with fear - because he was a tough man and really hard to please. My fondest memories of him was when he'd occasionally bring us to the beach. Other times we'd go to Leyte to visit my grandma, his mom.

Lately, because I worked for him, we would spend all day together. Forced sometimes - because if it were up to me, I'd love to have worked some place else, somewhere dynamic and fun, I love my dad to pieces but he is a tough boss at one time he even made me cry. Selling agricultural equipment and parts is really not my thing you know.

I'd talk to my mom about it, I would tell her I am not happy with my job, but what can I do, it's our family business and I am needed. Then I got pregnant & got married. Suddenly, my job was the best there was. Imagine working at home, with your own flexi-schedule and super understanding boss. Not only does he condone my blogging (as long as I get my job done) he even hosts my Fun.Fierce.Fabulous Blog. Hahaha ^_^ I realized, there's a reason for everything.

My son.

He is the single most influential person in my dad's life right now. The once toughie would quickly turn into a softy when his grandson is around. Although he never admits it, he is the boy's #1 spoiler. Imagine going to the mall at 7PM on a weekday just so the boy can ride the car, buy a balloon and be happy. But its obvious that it is making him happier to see his grandson happy.

My dad has changed. I guess its really different when you become a grandfather. Its not that he was a horrible dad, of course he was not. But he was strict, a disciplinarian and quiet. You never know what he thinks because he almost always never talks. He is different now, he cracks jokes, he buys us gifts and he invites us for coffee at times. As far as I'm concerned were closer now more than ever.

Love you dad.