Happy (belated) Father’s Day, Dad

Saturday morning, I woke up to the thought, “I have to make sure to call Dad to wish him Happy Father’s Day!” Since I am currently away in Hawaii for college, I am already adjusted to the time difference between the Marianas and Hawaii, which is that the Marianas is a day ahead. With eyes half awake, I make the call…(it’s 7am in the Marianas)

Me: “Ben? Are Mom and Dad home?”

Bro: “No, they went to Saipan but they’re coming back today.”

Me: “OK, I’ll call back later when they’re back. Love you…bye!”

Bro: “OK…Love you…bye” *hangs up the phone*

Lying in my bed and still half awake, I think back to my childhood years. I think to myself, ‘I am very fortunate. Loving parents, five other siblings, and the fact that I come from a very big, very supporting, and very loving family.’ All of this plays a huge role in forming and shaping the person who I am today. My foundation. My family. But today is a special day. It’s a day I am to pay tribute to a very great man—my Father aka “Dad.” He is the best! I love him. Respect him. And admire him. ‘Why,’ you ask? Because, coming from a huge family of 16 siblings (including himself), he had a tough upbringing. So, he would always remind us, all his six kids, of how lucky we are, with those stories that you’re all probably familiar with: “You kids are so lucky these days. When I was your age…” Hehehe.

I love my Father so very much. My dad is the problem-solver, the family provider, the loving dad, a loving husband to my wonderful mother, the family backbone, my strength when I am weak, that extra push I need in the right direction, our conscience, our guardian angel, our protector… but most importantly…. OUR DAD!! So I take this time to pay tribute to my father, Vicente M. Atalig. Dad, we all love you so very, very much. You and Mom have done a great job with us! All your dedication and love and support are seen through myself and through Cindy, Sherry, Charlie, Ben, and Pete. We owe our lives to you, and always, always know that we love you both so very much and appreciate you, not just today but every single day. All the sacrifices you made, along with Mom, to give us everything that we want and need. Your selflessness, and willing to put your children as well as others before you, I will never take for granted Dad.

You and the rest of the fathers out there deserve a medal or an award for all the hard work, patience, and unconditional love that you always give your children. I love you so much Dad and I am very proud to call you my father!

Pauline Atalig
Hilo, Hawaii