Posts tagged me

twofive89:

On the 25 th of November 2012 at approximately 2:30pm, I officially turned 23. Although it’s a weird age to write about, I’m writing to say thank you to some very important and incredible people in my life.

To my Nanay and Tatay (mum and dad), I know during my teenage years I was, in all honesty, a little shit-bag, hard-headed delinquent who never really listened to you both as much as I should have. On the days I crossed the line, you disciplined me like any other Asian parent would, with a good old fashion smack and a slight pinch of love…Nanay with her usual flying, boomerang-like sandals/thongs/flip-flops and when it was something really bad, it would be the belt from Tatay.

Later in my teens and leading up to my early-adulthood, I came to understand more and more of the sacrifices you have both made to bring your two boys to Australia and live a better life and for never stopping to show how much you loved us both. For that I thank you.

To my brother, you have always been there for me during our childhood, you had to grow up quick and become a parent to both of us when Nanay and Tatay were studying or working. You have always protected me from douche-bags at school and guarded me during those times when we would walk to school.

You taught me that blood is thicker than water and what brotherhood is, in the truest of senses. Despite our differences, our fights, our arguments, our choices in life, where we go in the future, I will never forget that you are my brother.

To my two aunties back in my homeland of the Philippines, you were there to care from me from the day I was born when my mother would have had to make one of the hardest things in life after giving birth to me. You taught me exemplary life lessons throughout my youth and continue to during my adulthood even from many miles away. I see you both more as mother’s than aunties, no matter how far away we are, I will always love you and feel as if you are there right next to me.

To my team at work, this year was a significantly difficult year, despite that, you guys gave me guidance and advice and assisted me in the transition of going to work full-time and studying at the same time. You provided advice to me in several difficult situations and provided avenues which enabled me to focus. I couldn’t be happier with working alongside a great group of people.

To my friends. Thank you for being there, for putting up with me and my quirkiness of random acts of strangeness…You are all a very special part of my life and I am glad to have formed a bond with you all and I consider you all to be my brothers and sisters. I couldn’t be any more happier or luckier to have you all in my life.

To Annie, fiancée to my brother and my soon to be sister-in-law. When I first met you, I thought you were a pretty awesome person, I then found out that we share the same birthday which then cemented that thought because…well…I’m awesome too! You are one of a kind and I couldn’t be more happier to welcome you into the family when that day becomes a reality and to share a lifetime of birthdays with you.

To Sam, my fiancée’s sister and my soon to be sister-in-law. You were always easy to get along with and such an awesome person. Even before I proposed to your sister, I have always seen you as a sister, despite the fact we come from completely different backgrounds. I look forward to, and will be proud to officially call you my sister in the near future.

To the entire Chiera family, from day one you have opened your arms to me and welcomed me into the family. I haven’t met such a caring, generous and kind-hearted family as you all are. During the toughest of times, you amaze me by showing how much stronger you get and how much love there is. I couldn’t be more happier to join such a magnificent group of people to call my family.

To the entire Artuz and Caigoy family back in my homeland, I will never forget you, I will never forget my roots and where I am from. I will think of you all always and forever and the love you provided me over the years.

And finally, to the most important person in my life, Jessica. I honestly believe it was fate that brought us together, despite how strange and weird the circumstances were. You were and still are my best friend. You have held me high during my lowest moments and supported me through thick and thin. You have been my rock.

I know we have had our differences in the past and at recent times, our little quarrels, but what is a relationship without those?I believe that they make us and our relationship stronger. Without you, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am today, I wouldn’t have the things I have and I wouldn’t be heading the direction that I’m going if it wasn’t for you.

I have accomplished what I have in recent years because of you. The day I call you my wife could not come any sooner, you are my soul mate.

Here’s to many more years of epic awesomeness with some of the greatest people on earth that I have had the pleasure of meeting.