Dearest Papa

When I was 2 1/2 years old.

Papa is my teacher. I would always get excited when he arrives home after work, because I know that I will learn something new or enjoy my time. Although he used to work until late at night, he would take Mama and I on-board to his work site and we would wait in the car while he talked to the foremen and workers. I still remember, everytime he got out of the car to meet his foremen, I would climb from the back seat to the front driver seat and pretended I was driving. Then I would always hold up an imaginary walkie-talkie and say out loud “Kampu, calling Kampu”. Mr Kampu was Papa’s head foreman, he has always been really friendly with me but although I can’t remember how he looked like. I can only remember a dark skinned man with bright shinning teeth, smiling at me and wearing a worker’s hat.

Papa is my hero. Since young, I’ve fallen into the hands of bullies. I’m not sure why this is the case, but it has made me much stronger today. The worst bully was when I was in Primary. There was this guy who was 4 years older and much taller than me. He would always look at me in his really small one-lined eyes as if to say “I will punch you!” And seriously, he was fast. He’s one of the fastest sprinters in our school. I remember a time when I accidentally slapped his face while he ran passed me, and when I realised it was him. I could feel my heart pounding 50x faster. I ran so fast, passed dozens of classes and to the nearest girl’s toilet. (Note: If your bully is a boy, get to the nearest girl’s toilet. It’s the safest, they shouldn’t go in) I waited for about 40 mins before I returned to my classes. Of course I was late, but it didn’t matter. Because I was still alive, and I can feel his rage building as the minutes passed. As baby as I was, I ran home and told Papa about my bully. Like a hero, he came the next day and told him off in front of all his friends! That was the best day of my life! LOL They were lots of other bullies that Papa rescued me from. Even in junior high, I was bully by not one, but a group of classmates. Now, I only feel pity for them because people who are scared of being intimidated by others, step over weaker ones to feel powerful.

Papa, the architect. This 4 years of doing my major in Interior Architecture has been a blessed challenge that I welcome with open heart. During this journey, I faced obstacles that only an experienced can guide me. Papa has always been here for me. They say, “not being here is tough, being in your heart is more than enough.” Very often, when I find difficulties in my many assignments. I can always consult Papa for his advise and suggestions. Yes, he may have given me a little too much information, but it is this that makes him Papa. Without these more than enough advise, the love from Papa would cease to exist. That is why when I think of the so-many-things he told me to make me understand the whats, hows, and whys. It is certain that he loves and cares for me, is why he’s doing what he’s doing.

So today I wish you a very Happy Birthday to you. Thank you for all the wonderful things you’ve taught me. Useful or not, these are the ways of life you’ve guided me to understand.

Papa, I love you.