by Tini Tadeo-Castillo
This morning, it dawned on me that I've spent more than of my life without my father. When Papa passed away I was only fourteen and I felt no one can ever take over that top spot in my heart. Who knew that eight years after Papa's death, another man will take over that spot? And that some seventeen years later, I'd wake up with the realization that while my memories with my Papa will forever be etched in my heart, many more will overshadow it. Through the years, this man has given me many memories of him and our children and he continues to flood my heart to this day with endearing things he does for our family. No, he isn't perfect but I can never ask for more. So as this week will progress until the 19th, allow me to honor this man in the next seven days through letters of love. He deserves no less.
Day 1
Dearest Paul,
In this day and age and in the "me first" world, it is difficult to raise a child. And if any parent is not intentional in raising their children, this selfish world will. There were times we both became selfish beings, not really understanding the extent of influence and the responsibility we have over Jam and Cicc. We almost let the world raise our children. But nothing is ever too late and I thank the Lord for being patient with both of us and so gracious in reminding us of our accountability over our kids. I thank you for the journey that you wholeheartedly take with me as partners in bringing up the kids. I cannot imagine doing this on my own and you being a VERY willing partner and the Lord being a VERY gracious mentor makes it so much easier than it actually is. Thank you that, now, you take seriously the character that you live out in and out of the house and you help keep me grounded to do the same. Thank you for trusting and surrendering your life to the Lord so that you can lead me, Jam and Cicc towards a special family spiritual journey. In our imperfection, I thank you that you make conscious efforts in choosing your actions, words and decisions according to the word of the Lord for the kids to "catch", and that you are there to lovingly remind me to do the same. I honor you and praise the Lord for you, now more than ever :)
Love,
Tini
“I don’t feel like I started well. I want to finish well. What I want for you is that you seek the Lord. That you trust Him, even if it means you’re standing alone.” --Courageous (Movie)
This morning, it dawned on me that I've spent more than of my life without my father. When Papa passed away I was only fourteen and I felt no one can ever take over that top spot in my heart. Who knew that eight years after Papa's death, another man will take over that spot? And that some seventeen years later, I'd wake up with the realization that while my memories with my Papa will forever be etched in my heart, many more will overshadow it. Through the years, this man has given me many memories of him and our children and he continues to flood my heart to this day with endearing things he does for our family. No, he isn't perfect but I can never ask for more. So as this week will progress until the 19th, allow me to honor this man in the next seven days through letters of love. He deserves no less.
Day 1
Dearest Paul,
In this day and age and in the "me first" world, it is difficult to raise a child. And if any parent is not intentional in raising their children, this selfish world will. There were times we both became selfish beings, not really understanding the extent of influence and the responsibility we have over Jam and Cicc. We almost let the world raise our children. But nothing is ever too late and I thank the Lord for being patient with both of us and so gracious in reminding us of our accountability over our kids. I thank you for the journey that you wholeheartedly take with me as partners in bringing up the kids. I cannot imagine doing this on my own and you being a VERY willing partner and the Lord being a VERY gracious mentor makes it so much easier than it actually is. Thank you that, now, you take seriously the character that you live out in and out of the house and you help keep me grounded to do the same. Thank you for trusting and surrendering your life to the Lord so that you can lead me, Jam and Cicc towards a special family spiritual journey. In our imperfection, I thank you that you make conscious efforts in choosing your actions, words and decisions according to the word of the Lord for the kids to "catch", and that you are there to lovingly remind me to do the same. I honor you and praise the Lord for you, now more than ever :)
Love,
Tini
“I don’t feel like I started well. I want to finish well. What I want for you is that you seek the Lord. That you trust Him, even if it means you’re standing alone.” --Courageous (Movie)