a year later

On Monday, March 25, it will exactly be a year since my Tatay Joe passed away.

Up until now, I still cannot stop the tears from falling just thinking about that sad, sad day.  I still cannot get over the fact that I was not able to see him before he left, that I was not able to tell him how much I appreciate everything he did for me and my family and how much I love him.

I guess we all realize how precious every moment is when there are no more moments to be shared in the future and we are only left with memories.

I know he is happy now with our Creator.  Though he was taken away from this life earlier than we all could have wanted, I know he has lived a full life. 

I miss you so much Tatay... the Kare-Kare during Christmas and during my birthday; the flowers and heart-shaped balloons during Valentine's day (thank you for always making my VDay special); the trinkets and knick-knacks you bring home for me, and for always, always being there for us in however and whatever way you can.  Thank you for making food exciting and interesting for me.  It was that love for food (and the goodness of your cooking) that eventually lead me to my profession. 

We love you so much.  As promised, I will continue to strive to be a better person to make you proud.