:: Daddy's day and Chicken Cordon Bleu::

It is a time of burnt toast and breakfast in bed, family gatherings, crayon scribbled "I Love You's and, of course, that lovely new tie! Well my Abah doesn't wear one but why not?

I always know what to buy for my mom but I have been having hard times thinking of what to buy for Abah. Grrrrr.....

Mommy's bifdae yesterday and we celebrated Daddy's day too. We went out to Secret Recipe for dinner. Me and Jed ordered my favorite Chicken Cordon Bleu. Mom ordered her Vietnamese Noodles and Abah and Alyssa shared a plate of meatballs pasta. I could still taste the melted swiss cheese inside the skillet boneless chicken wrapped in bread crumbs.

Rudy called in late last nite wishing him and mom each with special wishes. I could see the light Abah's eyes while talking to him. Abah was like gasping in joy while talking to him. He's smiling all the way and most of the conversation was about either soccer or soccer. I had that talk with Dad too but I couldn't really hear the excitement in his voice while discussing with me about soccer. Not like when he talked to Rudy and Jed.

I used to be Abah''s favorite kid. Ever since I was little. Even Rudy complained about his favoritism. Jed was too little to understand. I remembered Abah bought me a set of a keyboard instrument for my birthday. I saw the changes on Rudy's face when Abah handed me that thing. The next day Abah bought me a book about the Milky Way. I wrapped it nicely and gave it to Rudy and told him that Abah bought him the book. He was sooooo happy, he even jolted with joy. Went to Abah's room and told him that he has got to stop giving me presents and I told him that I have two other siblings. From there and then, he started to 'open' his eyes towards Rudy and Jed. Until today, Rudy still doesn't know that the book that 'Abah gave him', was actually given by me. (I just hope he's not reading this).

Me and Rudy got Abah''s talent in music and Jed has his talent in drawing. Elly has his talent in… ummm.. I'm not sure what, as yet. But I'm sure she has gotten one of Abah's ability. He's mommy's bob-the-builder. He fixes things around the house. He loves gardening. Every tree he touches turns really green.

Abah's a bit emo when it comes to education. He once stopped talking to me for weeks, simply cuz I got an F for my English. He didn't talk to Rudy for weeks too ciz he has to re-sit his SAT. Jed and Elly have always been regarded as 'those with brains'… They have never caused Abah's raising in blood pressure. Unlike me and Rudy. We were somewhat unruly when it comes to our study. But those were the days. I just hope that Dad would still want us to be his sons and daughters in the next life, regardless.

For being such a great father, this is for you Abah.

The things you taught me I will always know.
How could I not? The roots have sunk so deep:
All lessons of the heart that I will keep
No matter who I am or where I go.
Kids learn from what their parents are, and so
You are my book of life, the thoughts I reap;
Only in your arms I quiet sleep;
Under my words your voice sings soft and slow.
From you I learned the rules of right and wrong
Against which I at times had to rebel,
Though with regret I carry with me still.
How lucky I am to have been loved so well,
Even as I pushed against your will,
Relying on a father fair and strong

Happy father's day. From the bottom of our heart.

- Mila, Rudy, Jed & Elly