My Dad, My Hero

Strong and hard as steel, brawny, confident, famous, brilliant and daring are just typical words that would enter a child's mind if you ever mention the word hero. Some would even say such person has superpowers and awesome skills that make them envious and dream of becoming one. We can't put the blame on them for thinking this way. With the different fictional stories in movies, books and hearsay, their innocent minds are so vulnerable to resist such notion.

I was once like them but of course, it didn't drag on for too long. As I grew older and matured, my perception of a hero changed. Through these years, I learned a lot, heard different opinions, experienced random incidents and read many stories depicting heroism which lead me to this kind of conclusion. A hero for me is a person who has the will to sacrifice whatever he has for the sake of others; material thing or not, it doesn't matter as long as he's helping and doing what is right. He does good deeds and is a real philanthropist. He is courageous, contemplates before doing something and most importantly, a good example and role model. He's not the type to hesitate on risking his own life for the benefit of those who need a hand, whether or not it cost him something. He does all of these wholeheartedly with conviction and determination.

Whenever I think of these qualities, many names and faces appear on my head. I guess it's inevitable since I'm a student and I've been exposed to studying history and noble personalities. But in my heart, I believe, there's only one person who deserves being called as my hero and he's none other than my dearest dad.

I’ve been looking up to my dad since I was young. He has lived a life that is worth everyone’s praise. Being an OFW himself is one great reason to call him a hero but, there are so many things beyond that for me to consider him as one. My father is a servant of God and a devout Christian. This is the reason why I firmly believe he does things that are pleasing to His eyes. He’s a normal individual and is not perfect so I can’t say he does not commit mistakes. All I know is that he tries his best to correct them and learns his lessons.

I’m fully aware of him going through a lot of problems and stress, living thousands of  kilometers away from us, engulfing his self with work. I somewhat feel guilty knowing we are his reasons for doing this sacrifice. It’s apparent, as a father he thinks it’s his responsibility to make a living but no one ever forced him to work abroad. He voluntarily grabbed the opportunity and accepted the job overseas to give us a better life and future. I also know he’s been feeling very lonely there and is just enduring all the hardships, pain and agony, keeping them inside. He is a very strong person and seeing him in the verge of tears but still trying hard to stifle it every time he has to depart after a vacation proves it. Again, I know my dad is doing this for us not to feel bad, to reassure us that he is fine when he’s totally not, and be overwhelmed with sadness. Isn’t he amazing? He has done so many things for us yet I’ve never heard a single complaint escape his mouth.

Am I too self-centered for letting my dad experience these sufferings? I can’t do anything except let him feel how I cherish and appreciate every single effort he’s been making, show my love, care and concern, and how proud I am to be his daughter. But even doing these simple actions is kind of hard for me since I’m not the type to express my feelings easily, though he is my father.

 

My dad has been a really good role model to me and my brother. He possesses many talents and he uses those gifts in serving the Lord. He makes wise decisions and considers possibilities and consequences before taking an action. He helps when I have problems and it seems like he doesn’t care whether it adds up to his worries. He has never used his hand in disciplining us; rather, he talks to us with this unique loving tone to make us realize our faults. He barely gets mad and I admire him for being so patient and understanding.

He has never been oblivious and sends us text messages every night to give pieces of advice and words of encouragement. He never gives up and faces each challenge that comes along his way. He is a simple man but he holds strong values in him. I want to be just like him and pass the things he has taught me to my children.

I so love my dad and totally respect him for being this good. My hero is self-sacrificial and simply selfless; he puts aside his needs, emotions, and thinks of us first. He helps others with genuine heart, does everything he can and gives his utmost efforts. He is strong and firm; he has never let himself appear weak in front of us nor anyone. He showed us the best example of a truly benevolent person, loving parent, witty adviser, brave protector and humble servant. My dad is my hero, he will forever be and nothing can ever change it.