For Oca

Oscar Puntil Bautista
July 27, 1954- August 8, 2002

"...Sooner or later,
I'll be passing away.

So you have to be ready
to step in my shoes

without inheriting my
weaknesses and mistakes in life."

--an excerpt from the letter Oca wrote me for my 21st birthday;

the last birthday I spent with him around.

He passed away 10 months and 3 weeks later.

Who can say for certain
Maybe you’re still here
I feel you all around me
Your memories so clear

Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You’re still an inspiration
Can it be
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you’re there
A breath away’s not far
To where you are

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn’t faith believing
All power can’t be seen
As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday

’cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above
And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you’re there
A breath away’s not far
To where you are

I know you’re there
A breath away’s not far
To where you are

____________
I could never ever thank you enough for the love that you gave Remi, Mai and me.

I love you. And how I miss you.

Happy Father's Day!