Dec. 12, 1948 - Jan. 5, 2011; A great life has fallen! A man that nurtured, transformed and made every single day of my life such a rewarding experience; a selfless, brilliant, light spoken and tender person, full of wisdom, committed to all he did, cared for all he met, shared everything he owned with everyone, would not hurt a fly nor let it hurt any of his, would take it all up to the Lord in prayer and thank Him for His faithfulness for everything. Yes, my hero, my dad is gone!
He gave up his seat to his juniors and children, went hungry to provide for others, responded to rudeness and abuse only with soft words of advice and a smile, preached and believed in education and sacrificed his savings for it for his children, did not fight for his pension that was being usurped, checked and cared for the sick even in the most inconvenient hour of the night, suffered injustice but took it kindly, never asked for favors or privileges, showed respect and consideration to everyone and shared with others every bit he had even when at risk of perishing. He was no cheater, never spoke roughly to my mom even one day, never got drunk, never fought with anyone, never bad mouthed anyone, never fought for power and glory nor sought praise and pride, never differentiated the people he dealt with and never turned down any request he could grant.
 |
| Tandia A. Barnabas, 63 (R.I.P) |
He is the person, whose unwoven support has taken me through the high corridors of education; who supported my Korean ambitions from day 1 and encouraged me to ride on; who celebrated every one of my academic achievements way more than I ever did and who accounted for everything in any project undertaken with him. He agonized over the woes of his country and believed education was the key - that with it one day its communities would be transformed and citizens pursue and attain the most precious of their dreams. He taught me how to hope; how to pursue it and how to transform it into results. He lived through it and died by it. He taught me the extraordinary lessons of sacrifice, patience, humility, love and respect.
My dad, the great teacher, the great citizen, the great father - none like him!
I’ll forever miss him! Far off, he’s wandered, yet will live in me every single day of my life.
Adieu, dad!
Yoy are must missing your farther very much! He will smile in the heaven as like he smiles on the picture. I am also great happy to meet you as a good friend. I am missing him even though I didn't meet him. On today, I feel the smile of him on the picture is bigger than any other's . - Martin
ReplyDeleteDr, no words of mouth or writing can ever describe all the good qualities and personalities that dad had. At one moment, i thought i could describe him as a perfect gentleman and a role model but, it still sounds to me as if, that is not enough to describe all the wonderful qualities that this homo sapien possessed. For those who knew him, they will attest with me that there is only one phrase that can be attempted to describe him i.e. "There is none like him in that his community"
ReplyDeleteDr, I write with tears running down as I feel the pain of a missing great and leader from our lives. I am happy I benefited from every moment that we spent together around Dad. When I think of the days that we left Catholic Mission Futru and ran down to the compound with Dad during break hours, I remember his silent and sober words "Please be careful as you run".
ReplyDeleteThat is who he was. Looking after every one that came his way. He has only departed the world in human flesh. His words of encouragement and advice will live with us as he continues to live with us in spirit.
We loved him but God loved him most. May his soul rest in peace!
Agherenwi Neba
Hi Tandia,
ReplyDeleteI guess its never too late to share one's heart felt condoleances with a great friend as yourself when such a difficult and irreplaceable loss come their way. Accept my sincere sympathies towards such a huge loss. Your dad must be very proud of you and his family and surely such a person that touched so many hearts and minds will no doubt be enjoying by our Heavenly Father.
I do hope that all you can do is continue to make him proud as you've always done
May his soul RIP
Honorine