Me: Papa, don't worry about us. We are all good. God has favored us with lavish blessings. You may now rest.
Papa: (staring at me ... silently intimating a thought ...)
Me: You taught me all that I am now good at ... grammar, foresight, basketball, boxing, persevering ... now, please teach me the most important practice ... how to jump from here to the eternal arms of our Redeemer.
Papa: (one last heave ... a strong but gentle inhale of final oxygen without any further release ...)
Thank you my beloved mentor and friend.
You taught me well.
California Flight to His Eternal Mansion / 2010 / Tomas Trinidad Diwa Jr.