My dearest Daddy, Juanito “Johnny” Crisostomo left us and went to heaven just 25 days ago.  He was supposed to turn 79 today and already we miss him so much.

  

Growing up with an authoritarian father, a self-made businessman, with very strong religious beliefs was not always easy, but now as an adult and as a mom with kids of my own, I can say that it was a blessing to have had a dad like Dad. As a humble tribute, I’d like share with you some things I learned from my Dad:

1. Teach your kids about love by loving your spouse.

Dad and Mom were inseparable all their married life. They were partners in business, churchmates, constant dates, each other’s nurse, lawyer and guardian, and best friends. For me, their love for each other is a testament to the vow of marriage: to love each other in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer…

2. No matter how young, kids can learn the value and fulfilment of hard work.

I grew up watching Dad run a printing company and he would always involve us kids in the process. I wouldn’t be surprised if this could be the reason why I grew up loving paper, I am now into publishing and I can count “proofreading” among my list of (unusual) talents. Now you can ask my 2 older kids about their work experience at ages 9 and 11 (talk about child labor)! But in the end, just like I did, they discover that work can actually be fun in disguise!

3. The most important lesson you can teach your kids is to have faith in God and live life in constant prayer.

We grew up doing the rounds of Baclaran, Quiapo, St. Jude and Antipolo churches, hanging sampaguita garlands on all the saints, and praying the rosary as a family in each church.  Looking back on those years when we didn’t know better, we would sadly resent Dad for “forcing” us to go on the church visits with him and Mom.  But now as adults, we naturally turn to God in happy times and in challenging ones. I’d like to think my kids are growing up with the same sense of having God in their lives.

4. Kids are happier when they have siblings to play with, share with, scheme with, condole with, fight with and be friends with, all their lives.

Dad and Mom had all of us 7 kids in a span of 13 years. Growing up with my 3 brothers and 3 sisters is truly one of the biggest blessings of my life.  Now, just factor in inflation and economics: my 3 kids are the equivalent of having 7 kids in present times! I pray they also grow up to be the best of friends.

I admit I’m still a work in progress as an adult, a Christian, a wife and a mother, but thanks to Dad, I will always keep these lessons to heart and will always strive to be more like him in these aspects of my life.

Thanks for everything Dad. Happy Birthday. I miss you and I love you forever and ever.

Tags: dad

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