a story in progress

Words of gratitude can't possibly be enough to repay what both of you have given to me all these years. Besides, providing me with an education, comfort and financial security, both of you have shaped me into what I am today. For the latter reason alone, I have so much to be thankful for. I do wish I am more forthright with my feelings with both of you at times. Especially you Dad. 

That way I can tell you how much you have impacted me towards all these years. You who have taught me so many things from my elementary arithmetic to riding a bicycle to learning how to handle my finance. The things you have taught me are in fact a testament to the progression of our relationship. I draw upon your silent presence and unyielding stand. From a fatherly figure whom I look up to for being all-knowing to someone whom I came to understand a little better of his life struggle and expectations. I have never once question your paternal authority but it wasn't only till recently that I actually did it without realizing it. It was when you insisted on accompanying me all the way to Singapore for my enrollment. I did not want you to take leave for several days to walk haphazardly in the unknown streets of the island searching for the hostel, hospital and whatnots with me. But it never occur to me back then, that you are actually insisting to come along because you want to. Not because you had to. It was only after when you left, I am reminded of the fact that I am blessed with a dad. That particular thought alone is comforting enough for me even when I am going through the toughest of time.

As for you Mum, I think I have always been perceived as a Mama's boy for most part of my life. I am not afraid to admit that I am one. You have always been the personification of a strong principle driven women in my life. No where else have I encounter a women that I have that much respect and love for. You have single handedly shown and taught me a large chunk of my emotional development over the years. Through you, I have seen tenderness in tenacity, strength in times of hardship and most importantly the means of being a living individual. You brought the realism of life to the simplest of manner to me. All things under the sun such as to love, to cry, to be angry, to mourn, to pray and so on were handed by you to me. I am very much appreciative of all the things and sacrifice you have taken for me and Sher-Men as well. From opting for an optional retirement for both our sake to being pragmatic and frugal for both of our future goes without saying the best gift you can ever provide us. I promise to make it up to you with the time and effort I have. The years and opportunities  you lost for our sake will be me amended twice fold if not tripled and quadrupled. I know you are taking huge leaps in recent years. For that I promise to be there with you.

On a final note, to both of you, I have always counted my blessings. Especially for the love I have been showered. I also know that you two have given a lot to me  especially over the recent years. Looking beyond the financial means that you two are  currently providing me for my tertiary education which still comes of as a substantial amount, you two have given me the autonomy to decide what I want from my life and to a greater extension my own self. Never have you two prompted me to take up something I did not like. Even when I was facing a crisis as to not knowing what I want from myself, you two stood by me and gave me the time to decide for myself. For that and all of the above as well as the countless moments that you two have given me I thank you both with the deepest of my heart. 

With the greatest love,