The Biggest Adventure

While other people speak speak about having too little time to spend with their fathers, I want to tell you before it becomes too late.

From the start you have always loved me. And I love you.

You taught me priceless lessons and molded me into the man I am today. I am neither great nor famous, and I have my flaws, but I am happy with myself, and I can face the world with my head held high and with a smile on my face, and I have you to thank for that.

While before I would cry and frown over being disciplined, all I can say now is that I’m thankful you are my Dad.

You taught me to expect the best of everyone around me. Not only that, you taught me to expect even more than the best from myself.

You taught me that what makes a man proud is neither his money nor his clothes, not the car he drives, it is in the name he makes for himself by the way he treats others.You showed me that sometimes in life, we do falter and fail - what’s important is that we get back up each time we do.

While everyone else was teaching their kids the easy way to make a buck or the best way to hit a tennis ball, you taught me that there are no shortcuts - you reap what you put in.

You showed me how to work with my hands, and how to use my mind.

You told me to follow my dreams, but you also taught me to love what I do.

You taught me to be strong for the weak, and to demand the best from the strong. You taught me never to judge someone by what they have, but rather to see them by what they do. You taught me loyalty in the face of temptation, courage in the face of adversity, and laughter for when times get rough.

You taught me to be angry at the unjust, and to forgive those who have fallen.

You were my greatest influence, and my most powerful inspiration. For all these, I will forever be grateful.

Everyday, I strive to better myself. At times I do stumble and fall, but each time I do, I resolve to rise up again, and continue to fight for what I believe is right. I hope that one day, I may have made myself into a man you can be proud to call your son.

Love, Your Son

Jay

And I thought my own proposal was beautiful… Check out my friend’s proposal to his (now) fiancée. It was truly a heartwarming story and I couldn’t help but admire Marco Baylon for his love, nerves and courage.

In my own defense, though, I had to make do with knowing absolutely nobody in the city where I proposed.

Tonight I watched a Japanese movie titled “Inu to Watashi no 10 no Yakusoku“ (10 promises between me and my dog). The film made me cry. After I reflected on the promises made, I discovered that they applied not only to the relationship between us and our pets, but to our other relationships as well. Here are the promises (translated into English):

1. Please have patience when dealing with me.

2. Place your trust in me. Through good and bad times, I will always be by your side.

3. Never forget that I have a heart too… just like you.

4. Whenever I don’t listen to what you say, always remember that there is a reason.

5. Talk to me. I may not understand all your words but I understand your voice when it speaks to me. (In the film: Try to spend a lot of time with me)

6. Let’s not fight. Remember that I could hurt you but have chosen never to do so.

7. Even when I grow in age (and probably grow slow or weak), please be kind to me

8. My life may not last as long as yours. Please make every second we spend together count.

9. You may have other friends, other activities. Please remember that for me, there’s only you.

10. When I leave this world, promise me you’ll be by my side. Remember all the times we shared and remember always that I love you.

One of the prominent songs featured on the soundtrack was “Time after Time”, particularly the lines:

When you’re lost, you can look and you will find me… time after time. When you fall, I will catch you I’ll be waiting… time after time.

Quite poignant.

I want to be like Danny Choo.

I stumbled across Danny Choo’s website sometime last week while researching a short article about Valentine’s Day in Japan. Danny Choo is a computer engineer and website designer who currently lives and works in Japan. He recently built his own company, Mirai Inc, which provides CGM/SEO solutions to its customers. One could say he is the epitome of a successful businessman.

It isn’t so much about the money (although money certainly doesn’t hurt), or the fact that we work in similar fields (computers). Not even the fact that we are both working in Japan as foreigners.

Why do I admire Danny Choo so much?

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