On our way to Magat Dam, driving through my dad’s hometown Santiago, Isabella during ending days of the May Flower Festival (May 2007).

*

August 5, 2008

The doctor came into the room to talk to my brother, sister and I. In the end, however, he asked my dad, “Do you have any questions?”

My dad looked at him and said, “Yes, I have many questions. But my main concern is how long do I have?”

I almost choked up and started crying. I refused to look over to my sister and brother to see the expression on their faces.  I had to let my tears reabsorb back into my eyes.  I couldn’t believe he asked so nonchalantly!

The doctor told him, “Well, statistically speaking, 2 years. Only about 5% make it to 2 years.” It was all very matter of fact.

My dad looked at him and I could tell in his mind, he was calculating. Peacefully and agreeingly, as if he had already come to accept it, he said, “Okay.”

*

Later, after the doctor, my brother and sister had already left, my dad told me, in a very pensive way, “I’m going to celebrate my 70th birthday in my hometown.”

My dad is 68 years old. It gave me hope that he was already thinking that far out.

I told him, “I will be there to celebrate with you.”