dad's birthday falls on father's day. that's double whammy and a call for an immense celebration. pretty convenient too! but then again, without me and sis, father's day just gonna be insignificant in your life.

so this is for you.

it just seems that whenever there's a greater challenge that sets in. greater responsibility or any achievement that i get, i will have to tell you about it. it all begins after sji graduation. the letter that i wrote to you, got us talking. got us bonding together. i remembered initially i couldnt talk to you properly. and when it all started, our late night ventures and conversations really always got me thinking and make me feel that i am here for greater things to come. you are my catalyst, you are that strength that entice me to never give up. and just a thank you will not suffice.

you seemed softspoken, behind-the-scene. but when we converse, you are like a philosopher. those experiences about life. those mistakes that you are never afraid to admit. and as your son, i go in awe, to understand that there's a man that is but a reflection of my future. a father who had gone before me, who knows much more about everything than i could ever muster. you told me you arent really a leader, but its too late, you are a leader by examples. thatt humility. its so true to the heart. and just your words, can make me grow so much more.

i know you are a wise person. who didnt get the opportunity to shine. you were all poor then. and now i take this burden in my hands, that as your son, i will shine in place of you. because i am the one who's gonna continue your legacy, because now i have that opportunity to shine. you told me i shouldnt be tied down and influenced by you, that my life is largely my own and i should carve out my life, and not to live my life for you. of course. but life's about others around and you, dad, play a large part still in my life.

we will continue to talk. about your favourite topics. about china's history. about economics. about growing up and discovering about yourself. about life. about being happy. and yes, i will never forget anything that you have impart unto me. the ceaseless determination that you want me to have. about smiling in the end, with alittle more of everything.

just like you, but much happier. thank you so much for affirming me, for identifying my talents of inspiring others, that i am a people person. i know its biased, but it gives me confidence! its not so much about what you say, but why you even want to say it. :)

happy birthday. it meant alot than just a normal wish. naturally, i will mimic your footsteps, the path that you have chosen for yourself. of course, my path will differ, but why i chose it. i bet it will be similar.

so this is it. its a wonderful thing, to know that there's always a person who will have that much more experience about the trials of life. and for that person to endlessly and selflessly impart everything to you because of the unconditional love.

cherish them.