Embracing My Migrant Father’s Love

By: Diosdado (Ai) Manzano

Ai

            I am a son of a migrant family. My father first left home when I was 4 years old to work in abroad. Once in three years he comes home and goes back after one month of vacation. More than half of my father’s life has been spent working in abroad that’s why I grew up without experiencing my father’s guidance, care and moral support. I think those were the reasons why I did not like him much. For me, he’s more of a stranger than a father. There were even times when I denied him before my classmates and friends, said bad things about him, and worst, ashamed of him for being my father.

            The other day I was crying while sharing to my integration group because the movie (Anak) reminded me of my own story and my father’s story. It reminded me of the time when I saw my father crying while talking to my mother. “I don’t want to leave this house anymore because I miss this family so much,” were the words that he uttered to my mother. However, those remain only in words for there’s no other way but to leave. He must to leave or else our family will not survive. However, on that day I realized how much he loves us, especially me. A love that I could not imagine anymore.

            The module “Mission and Migration” facilitated by Fr. Danny Pilario, CM helped me a lot to see and understand more the life of a migrant. Their pain, struggle, joy and excitement continuously remain in me. Thus, it made me to realize that God is always there to protect, comfort, and accompany all the migrants as what he did to the early Christians. For this I am very thankful to Him for taking care of my father.

            Earlier I denied my father before my classmates and friends, now, I’m very very proud of him. I thank God for enlightening my mind and heart for all the darkness of hatred and anger that made me a migrant to my father’s love. God bless all the migrants.