by Tini Tadeo-Castillo
Day 3
Dear Lab,
You know how difficult it was to live with a person whose expectations were unrealistic. I can't imagine how stressful it must have been to have me as a wife and the mother of your children. Despite my shortcomings then, I want you to know that I appreciate that you did your best to alleviate the pressure I had put on our children. I know I did not always flip over your tranquility and zen-mode when I am at my agitation and hyper-state. In fact, I even resented that you were my anti-thesis, I shouldn't have. I want you to know that I deeply appreciate it this time around. I praise God that all is not lost, it's not too late to give thanks to the things you did -- that is keeping peace at home when I was the one wreaking havoc. While I drove the kids around the bend with my impossible demands, you managed to keep them on track with your peaceful, gentle steady hands and quiet love. Thank you for your diplomacy in my thoughtlessness :)
That although you are a silent water that runs deep, you efforts are truly extra-ordinary to communicate with me, Jam and Cicc. It does not come naturally to you to lay down your cards, express your feelings, be vulnerable and be outspoken with your thoughts but your progress thus far is something I truly am amazed at and thankful for. Thank you that you are willing to learn my languages of love and those of our son and our daughter. Thank you for loving us enough to get out of your comfort zone :)
Sincerely,
Lab
~~ The father who would taste the essence of his fatherhood must turn back from the plane of his experience, take with him the fruits of his journey and begin again beside his child, marching step by step over the same old road. -- Angelo Patri
Day 3
Dear Lab,
You know how difficult it was to live with a person whose expectations were unrealistic. I can't imagine how stressful it must have been to have me as a wife and the mother of your children. Despite my shortcomings then, I want you to know that I appreciate that you did your best to alleviate the pressure I had put on our children. I know I did not always flip over your tranquility and zen-mode when I am at my agitation and hyper-state. In fact, I even resented that you were my anti-thesis, I shouldn't have. I want you to know that I deeply appreciate it this time around. I praise God that all is not lost, it's not too late to give thanks to the things you did -- that is keeping peace at home when I was the one wreaking havoc. While I drove the kids around the bend with my impossible demands, you managed to keep them on track with your peaceful, gentle steady hands and quiet love. Thank you for your diplomacy in my thoughtlessness :)
That although you are a silent water that runs deep, you efforts are truly extra-ordinary to communicate with me, Jam and Cicc. It does not come naturally to you to lay down your cards, express your feelings, be vulnerable and be outspoken with your thoughts but your progress thus far is something I truly am amazed at and thankful for. Thank you that you are willing to learn my languages of love and those of our son and our daughter. Thank you for loving us enough to get out of your comfort zone :)
Sincerely,
Lab
~~ The father who would taste the essence of his fatherhood must turn back from the plane of his experience, take with him the fruits of his journey and begin again beside his child, marching step by step over the same old road. -- Angelo Patri