HOW MEDIOCRE LEADERSHIP CREATES MORE PROBLEMS THAN IT SOLVES

 

Can you figure out a solid word that can tie together the gist of the following recent two headlines and one editorial?

“Marcos appoints suspended lawyer Gadon as adviser for poverty alleviation” (Philstar headline, June 26, 2023)

“SC suspends Gadon for verbal assault against journalist” (CNN Philippines headline, Jan 4, 2022)

“Why hire board flunkers?” (Inquirer editorial, June 27, 2023)

That word is MEDIOCRITY. It means the quality or state of being mediocre, or of moderate or low quality. It also implies a lack of excellence, competence, or integrity.

BACKGROUNDER

The first headline reported that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) has appointed Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon as presidential adviser on poverty alleviation. The Presidential Communications Office said that PBBM’s appointment of Gadon “reflects the government’s commitment to address one of the most pressing challenges faced by our nation. He will play a pivotal role in advising the President on strategies and policies aimed at combating poverty and improving the lives of the most vulnerable sectors of society.”

Who is Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon? The second headline answered that question. The Supreme Court (SC) ordered last year Gadon’s preventive suspension over his “abhorrent behavior” in a viral video, where he launched an expletive-laced rant against journalist Raissa Robles.

The tirade against Robles is only the latest of a series of inappropriate conduct displayed by Gadon. In 2019, the Supreme Court also slapped him with a three-month suspension for the “malicious and arrogant” language he used toward a doctor.

“Gadon was already warned that a repetition of the same or similar act shall be dealt with more severely. But despite such warning, Gadon has continued to display similarly abhorrent behavior, with the viral video against Robles,” the SC said.

“Disbarment cases have also been filed against the lawyer over a number of instances, including his statement in 2016 that he was willing to kill Muslim insurgents. There has also been a move to expel him from the profession after he verbally attacked supporters of former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno,” CNN Philippines reported.

“In December last year, he faced another disbarment case over his claim that former President Benigno Aquino III died of human immunodeficiency virus or HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. It was disclosed by Aquino’s family that his cause of death was renal disease, secondary to diabetes,” CNN Philippines rounded out.

[Breaking News: "SC disbars Larry Gadon for profane remarks" - Inquirer headline, June 28, 2023]

The editorial jumped on one of the first ideas of newly appointed Health Secretary Herbosa as truly alarming -- to hire nursing graduates who flunked the board exams to stem the shortage of nurses in government hospitals.

Herbosa’s wild idea was shot down by the Professional Regulation Commission and the Filipino Nurses United which represents nurses in both public and private sectors. The editorial spelled out that not only will it affect the board exam’s integrity, but also raise legal, ethical, safety, and administrative problems.

“If Herbosa truly wants to solve the nursing crisis” the editorial propounded that he should instead “press the Marcos administration to muster the political will to raise the salaries of nurses and health professionals.”

These headlines and editorial show how mediocrity pervades PBBM’s administration and its appointees. They show how such a mediocrity creates more problems than it solves for the country and the Filipino people.

LEADERSHIP AND THE POOR

What makes a good leader? This is a question that has been asked and answered by many scholars, thinkers, and practitioners throughout history. There is no definitive answer, but there are some common qualities that most people would agree are essential for effective and inspiring leadership. Some of these qualities are charisma, intelligence, vision, courage, accountability, ethics, and competence. But perhaps the most important quality of all is caring. Caring about the impact of one’s decisions and actions on others, especially on those who are most vulnerable and marginalized – the poor.

The poor are the people who suffer the most from the consequences of mediocre leadership. They are the people who have the least resources and opportunities to cope with the challenges and risks that they face every day. They are the people who have the most to gain from good leadership that can provide them with basic services, social protection, and economic opportunities. They are the people who deserve better leaders who can address their needs and aspirations.

Unfortunately, this quality is sorely lacking in PBBM. One recent glaring example of PBBM’s weak decision and action is his appointment of Gadon as his presidential adviser on poverty alleviation. One can’t help thinking of Gadon’s appointment as PBBM’s indifference to if not a put down on, the poor.

Poverty in the Philippines is a persistent and complex challenge that affects millions of Filipinos. Asian Development Bank reported that 18.1% (roughly 19.99 million) of Filipinos lived below the national poverty line in 2021. For every 1,000 babies born, 26 died before their 5^th birthday. These dreary figures remind me of a somber story narrated by Inquirer Cielito F. Habito in his column “Feeding hungry kids.”

“[A]n unusually tall boy in kindergarten class… was 9 years old… his parents were so poor that they could only send one child to school in any given year, so their several children had to take turns. This boy had waited a few years that it would be years later that he could move on to first grade!”

This story illustrates how poverty deprives Filipino children of their basic rights and opportunities, such as education, health, nutrition, and protection. It also shows how poverty traps Filipino families in a vicious cycle of intergenerational poverty and inequality.

WHO YOU ARE IS WHO YOU ATTRACT

The recent glaring PBBM’s telltale leadership weakness gleaned from John C. Maxwell’s Law of Magnetism: “Who you are is who you attract” -- was showcased by his newly appointed Health Secretary Herbosa and his truly alarming wild idea -- hiring nursing graduates who flunked the board exams to stem the shortage of nurses in government hospitals.

Such a truly alarming and wild idea will demoralize and disrespect the nurses who have passed the board exams and have been working hard to save lives. It will increase the risk of medical errors and malpractice lawsuits that could harm patients and healthcare providers. It will undermine the country’s image and reputation as a competent, responsible, and ethical nation. It will fly in the face of the government’s new slogan: “We Give the World our Best.”

This idea also reflects Herbosa’s lack of competence and integrity as a health secretary. How can he propose such a reckless and irresponsible scheme that would compromise the standards and regulations of nursing practice? How can he ignore the root causes and solutions of the nursing crisis, such as low salaries, poor working conditions, and migration?

Lately, I attended my daughter’s graduation when “honors” are carrying a lot of weight not only for proud parents but also for the new graduates’ crucial curriculum vitae (CV) – sought after by future employers in a highly competitive corporate world.

Looking back, during my corporate heyday when I was engaged in the management of projects, the impact of any project on the company’s bottom line can be figured out, at a glance, in the person of its appointed head. During our time, when “laude” is not yet “a dime a dozen,” a project headed by a colleague with a CV marked with a “summa cum laude” plus a “board top-notcher” credential spoke volumes of the significance committed by the owner on the project endeavor.

Here and now, in “combatting poverty and improving the lives of the most vulnerable sectors of society,” a lawyer is appointed a presidential adviser -- a lawyer who was ordered by the Supreme Court suspended over his “abhorrent behavior” last year, a lawyer who was suspended for months for the “malicious and arrogant” language in 2019, and a lawyer who was filed with disbarment cases over a number of instances in the past.

To borrow the Inquirer editorial’s grading system, the significance of poverty alleviation in the eyes of PBBM’s administration is, sad to say, only 70 to 74 percent -- an indicative grade of PBBM’s leadership during his presidential watch.

But it is not too late. We can hold him accountable, demand better governance, support civil society, and engage in constructive dialogue.

Our country deserves better than a mediocre leader. Filipinos deserve a great leader.

Content put together in collaboration with Microsoft Bing AI-powered co-pilot

Head collage photos courtesy of Pixabay, Facebook, Quote Master, Statustown, & Brainy Quotes

Video clips courtesy of YouTube

A CEBU EXPERIENCE: FROM BOODLE FIGHT TO INTERNET BLACKOUT

 

Imagine being a blogger who has to write quality articles twice a week, but has no laptop to work with. That was the challenge I faced when I traveled to Cebu for my daughter’s graduation. How did I manage to keep up with my blogging schedule without a laptop? Read on to find out.

A five-day trip with my wife last week to attend our daughter Dionne‘s college graduation at the University of San Carlos in Cebu was also my first out-of-town trip as a blogger.

I’ve been a blogger for more than a year now and I’ve been giving it my all in carrying out this goal: To post top-quality ATABAY articles twice a week – every Wednesday and Sunday – in so doing, maintaining the readers’ attention and interests.

In putting together my articles, I’ve been using a desktop computer. In the past, I got three laptops during my corporate years stretching across more than two decades. I dumped them, one by one, due to either the laptop’s limited product life, obsolescence, corrupted software, or damaged hardware.

Hence, I opted this time for a desktop computer which I’ve found functional for my blogging needs -- until my first out-of-town trip popped up last week. I placed a last-minute call to Dionne to borrow her laptop during our stay in Cebu. Unluckily, she was using it in her licensure exam review. Without a laptop in hand, this article you’re reading now I drafted putting to good use my cell phone.

Our trip to Cebu was supposed to be a celebration of our daughter’s graduation, but it turned out to be a test of our resilience in the face of digital challenges. Let me tell you how we coped with a faulty TV and a missing internet connection in our condo unit.

Last Wednesday morning, I posted my article “The Real World Awaits: Insights From New Graduates”; later in the afternoon, we took the flight to Cebu.

Our Philippine Airlines plane landed smoothly at Mactan airport where Dionne met us with her friend Juvie driving an SUV.

A seasoned traveler, my wife remarked that our convenient airport arrival experience showed the Mactan airport’s efficient management in contrast to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s recent power outage fiascos that made the national headlines.

Dionne booked for our five-day Cebu stay a standard airconditioned one-bed with a toilet and hot shower condo unit in Avida Riala Tower 3 located in the heart of Cebu IT Park. Fully furnished with a dining table, sofa, modular kitchen with the ref, induction cooker, rice cooker, water heater, microwave oven, toaster, and utensils – it was a picture-perfect cozy home away from home.

Being a typical techie, Dionne turned on and checked the wall-mounted TV. Its all-black wide screen turned all-green. That’s all it showed. Nothing more. She connected her cell phone to the internet server using the password posted on the wall. It’s a disappointment. There and then, she broke the bad news – our condo unit had no internet connection.

Having saved a file of uploaded e-novels that could be read offline, my wife was not so much affected by such an internet blackout as I was as a blogger. She joked, “We are like inside a desert-like room in the middle of an oases-like digital IT city.”

FLASHBACK

A week before, Dionne posted a creative Father’s Day card for me with this opening line:

“Dad, you’re the reason why I know how to use the screwdriver…”

I commented with this excerpted wisecrack:

“You’ll be graduating from college this month. So, let me upgrade one lesson – the screwdriver. Make Yourself A Screwdriver When Life Gives You A Lemon.

“How? Combine orange juice (freshly squeezed) and vodka (Smirnoff No. 21 is OK) in a highball glass and stir…”

I kept on tipping her off the bartender’s forte in making a “screwdriver” cocktail. Then, I wrapped up:

“Speaking of ‘lemons’ in life, to begin with, as an example, look out for a ‘lemon’ first car. Be sure to test drive the car to know how it handles, accelerates, brakes, and shifts.”

Little did I know that the “lemon” I told Dionne would come back to haunt us a week later in the form of the picture-perfect condo unit she had booked for us.

But the “lemon” oddity was just a minor glitch in our otherwise enjoyable stay in Cebu. We made the most of our brief visit by indulging in various cuisines, while being mindful of our limitations as seniors.

For our breakfasts:

We felt at ease with the familiar dishes, such as:

JOLLIBEE’s fried chicken, burger steak, sunny side up, & rice

KFC’s fried chicken, mushroom soup, & rice.

CAFÉ LAGUNA’s Bangsilog & Egg Salad Pandesal

We also tried some exotic diners.

            For our lunches:

MY JOY’s Salmon Steak & Boneless Bangus w/ Vegetable Salad

BIGBY’s Tiki Wacky Chicken Salad, Fresh Fish Catch, Bigby’S Riblets, Mashed Potatoes, Cucumber Cooler, & rice

For our dinners:

MC CAJUN‘s Seafoods Boodle Fight

 

PHAT PHO Vietnamese Kitchen’s Pho Bo & Pho Ga

NUSTAR FINA’s Beef Kare-Kare, Stuffed Squid, Roast Chicken, Jardin ni Fina w/ Mango Vinaigrette

A TWILIGHT ZONE

Our first dinner at MC CAJUN was a blast. We devoured the Seafoods Boodle fight, a feast of seafood and rice, by eating with our hands. We loved it so much that we wanted to go back for seconds the next night.

            But we had a weird adventure on our way to MC CAJUN. We walked for over an hour, following the directions from two locals and a cop, but we couldn’t find the place. It was as if we entered a “Twilight Zone” where things were not as they appeared.

Maybe we should have used Google Maps instead of asking strangers. Or maybe MC CAJUN was playing hard to get. Or maybe we were just like those clueless tourists.

Whatever the case, we ended up at Gerry’s Grille – a more familiar sounding name – where we had some Grilled Tuna Belly & Pinakbet. It was good, but not as good as the boodle fight.

“KALAAY”

My wife booked a home service beautician for Dionne on her graduation day. As the beautician was taking a break and using his cell phone, Dionne told him that our “lemon” condo unit had no internet connection. That meant we’re cut off from the online world, no Netflix and no WiFi for us, a double misery. The beautician groaned: “Kalaay.” (Boring)

            Inside that “lemon” condo unit, we were isolated from what was going on in the IT city, not to mention the rest of the country.

GRADUATION DAY

What about the graduation? Well, you know how graduations are. They are all pretty much the same. But to us, this graduation was special. It was the culmination of our daughter Dionne’s hard work and dedication. As parents, we were overjoyed and deeply thankful to God for our daughter Dionne’s remarkable achievement.

Just as I concluded my previous ATABAY article with best wishes to new graduates, so too will I do the same with this article.

CONGRATULATIONS DIONNE, a member of Class 2023! Welcome to the real world!

But don’t be afraid, the real world is not as scary as it sounds. It has its ups and downs, its joys and pains, its lemons and lemonades. You have what it takes to overcome any challenge and seize any opportunity. And remember, we are always here for you. You’ll never walk alone.

Content put together in collaboration with Microsoft Bing AI-powered co-pilot

Head collage photos courtesy of Cebu, Mc Cajun, & freepikdotcom

Video Clips courtesy of YouTube

THE REAL WORLD AWAITS: INSIGHTS FROM THE NEW GRADUATES

 

Imagine you are a turtle. You have spent years inside your shell, learning and growing in a safe and familiar environment. Now, you are about to step out of your comfort zone and explore new horizons, but you are also terrified of what lies ahead. You have to stick your neck out and face the unknown. How do you feel? What do you do?

This is how most new graduates feel as they leave behind their academic life and enter the real world. Graduation is a momentous occasion that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in a person’s life. It is a time to celebrate one’s achievements, reflect on one’s journey, and look forward to one’s future. However, it is also a time of uncertainty, anxiety, and excitement as one faces the real world and its challenges and opportunities. It is a time when one has to stick his or her neck out and meet such challenges and opportunities.

Ruth Westheimer, a famous author, professor, and Holocaust survivor, once said: “My favorite animal is the turtle. The reason is that in order for the turtle to move, it has to stick its neck out. There are going to be times in our life when you’re going to have to stick your neck out. There will be challenges, and instead of hiding in a shell, you have to go out and meet them.” Therefore, her words are an inspiration for all new graduates who are about to embark on their journey in the real world.

In this article, we will explore some insights from samples of the University of San Carlos’ new graduates this year who have graciously agreed to share their feelings and expectations about the real world. They come from different backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common – they are ready to take on the world and make their mark.

Whether you are a new graduate yourself, a soon-to-be graduate, or a curious reader, I hope the following insights of these new graduates who are about to stick their necks out and embark on their real-world adventures will inspire, inform, and entertain you.

                                                           ><><

What are the most valuable skills or lessons you learned from your college experience?

MILES LLANA

I came to college as a hopeful and purposeful probinsyana from the province of Misamis Occidental, with wide eyes and a bright smile. Now that I look back at my undergraduate journey, I feel a mix of emotions. Whether it’s nostalgia or the bittersweet reality of moving on, it’s hard to process everything that happened.

The college has been a humbling and enlightening experience for me. It taught me how to survive and thrive in a new city, where I had to navigate public transportation, find the best deals for laundry and food (worth 30 pesos), and make new friends. It also showed me the possibilities and challenges of the world, where I wanted to explore and achieve everything, but also faced burnout, toxicity, and family issues.

There were times when I felt alone and helpless in this cold and concrete city, where I had come to pursue my dreams.

But then I realized that I wasn’t. The college has taught me that life can be unfair, but it also gives me choices. I can choose to take a break, to set boundaries, to ask for help, to love and be loved. I can choose how to respond to the situations that life throws at me.

The college has taught me that life is just beginning and that the beauty of existence lies in the highs and lows. I learn from my failures, I adapt to my changes, and I grow from my successes. I am on my own, but I can also choose who to share with my journey.

How did you cope with the challenges of online learning during the pandemic?

CLIVANNE DOZMILLE

I was lucky to be in my hometown when the pandemic lockdown was announced nationwide, and the sudden shift to online learning did not affect my performance much.  I study political science, which does not require physical or practical activities like some other courses, so it was easier for our department to adapt to the online mode.

I coped with the challenge of online learning during the pandemic by doing more of what I missed during face-to-face classes. I spent more time with my family, by being more attentive and involved during our meals and other activities. This is because I used to live in a dormitory when we had face-to-face classes.

I also read a lot of self-help books and journaled to deal with the uncertainty and stress caused by the pandemic. Another thing I did was start a small online business with my friends. I never thought of selling anything before the pandemic, but it was a fun and productive way of using my time at home.

Finally, I enjoyed the beauty and tranquility of the provincial landscape that I could not see in the city.

What are some of the best memories or highlights of your college journey?

PATRICIA MILAGROS

I made a lot of memories in college that molded me into the person I am today. I think the most significant aspect of my college years was the growth of my character.

Coming from a small city and a conservative family, I was overwhelmed by the diversity and complexity of my new environment. However, I learned to be more open-minded by interacting with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. It was not an easy journey, and I often doubted myself, but I worked hard and persevered. I am grateful to God, my family, and my friends for their support and encouragement along the way.

I want to end with a quote that resonates with me: “Quality over quantity.” I used to ignore this quote, but it became meaningful to me in my last year of college. I realized that it is better to study fewer subjects with a deeper understanding than to cram many subjects without comprehension.

And more importantly, it is better to have a few genuine friends than to have many superficial ones.

What are some of the challenges or opportunities you anticipate or face as a new graduate?

JUVIE MARIE

Graduating is daunting. As someone who prefers to stay in my comfort zone, I find reality intimidating.

However, I choose to be confident as I move forward. I want to see life after college as a huge opportunity for me to grow as a person. I am eager to learn about the corporate world and how I would handle different challenges and situations that would make me grow. I am curious to discover how I would enjoy the aspects of adulthood and be responsible for my actions. I am optimistic to explore the world beyond the walls of my university; to stretch myself beyond my comfort zone.

When I think of this, my anxiety about the future fades away.

How do you plan to use your degree or major in your future career or endeavors?

JAY

I have a degree in Industrial Engineering and I want to work in an industry that matches my knowledge, abilities, skills, and ideas.

Industrial Engineering is a broad field with many opportunities, but I don’t want to waste time experimenting with different industries. I am interested in working in a field where I can oversee a certain process from a system perspective. I will use this interest to provide efficient solutions for any problems that may arise within the system.

My degree is also related to my long-term goal of starting my own business. The knowledge and skills I gained from studying Industrial Engineering are useful in my life as well.

I know that I will face many challenges, but I have good decision-making skills that are based on facts. This will help me overcome any difficulties and achieve the results I want.

How did you balance your academic, social, and personal life as a college student?

DIONNE ARAE

Many people think that studying Accountancy means sacrificing fun for academics. They imagine accountants as dull or busy people who have no time for leisure.

However, when I was in college, I learned that this was not true. I had to study hard, of course, but I also enjoyed many social opportunities. I managed my time well by planning and organizing my schedule. I completed my assignment on time and studied in advance so I could have some free time for myself and my friends. One of the best things about college was having wonderful friends who could both study and party with me.

Studying and socializing are important, but what I value most is having time for myself. I think it is essential to reflect and organize my thoughts. Accountancy is a competitive field and it can be easy to lose one’s self-esteem or identity by comparing grades and rankings with others. I like to set aside some time for myself so I can be mindful and aware of my thinking process.

It’s like taking a step back from my roles as a student and a friend and asking if I am also a friend to myself.

                                                          ><><

Graduation is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. It is a time when we have to stick our necks out and face the real world of its challenges and opportunities. It is also a time when we can learn from the experiences, struggles, and successes of other new graduates who have gone through the same transition.

As Ruth Westheimer said, “There are going to be times in our life when you’re going to have to stick your neck out.” But sticking your neck out does not mean being perfect or flawless. It means being brave and willing to try new things, even if you make mistakes along the way. As Taylor Swift said in her graduation speech, “You will screw it up sometimes.” And that’s okay. That’s how you learn and grow.

So, don’t be afraid to stick your neck out and screw it up sometimes. Go out and meet the world with courage, confidence, and curiosity.

Congratulations Class of 2023! The real world awaits you.

Head photo courtesy of stockdotadobedotcom

Video clip courtesy of YouTube

THE LAST LETTER FROM THE BEST DAD IN THE WORLD

 

Romy wiped the sweat from his forehead as he lifted another box of baby clothes and diapers. He glanced at the clock on the wall. It was almost noon, and the temperature outside was already scorching. He wondered how Julie was coping with the heat, being nine months pregnant and due any day now.

“Hey, honey, where do you want me to put this?” he called out to his wife, who was sitting on the couch, sorting through some papers and documents.

“Um, just stack it over there with others,” Julie said, pointing to a corner of the living room that was already piled high with bags and boxes. “We need to make sure we have everything ready when we go to the hospital.”

Romy nodded and carried the box to the designated spot. He looked around the room and felt a surge of excitement and nervousness. He couldn’t believe that he was going to be a father soon. He had always dreamed of having a family of his own, especially since he had lost his parents when he was a teenager. He had been raised by his aunt and uncle, who were kind and loving, but he still missed his mom and dad every day.

He turned to Julie and smiled. She was his angel, his soulmate, his everything. They had met in college and fell in love at first sight. They had been married for three years now, and they were ready to welcome their first child into the world. They didn’t know the gender yet, but they had already picked out names: Romy Jr. if it was a boy, or Julie Anne if it was a girl.

“Are you okay, babe?” Romy asked, walking over to Julie and kissing her forehead. “Do you need anything? Water? Ice cream? A massage?”

Julie laughed and shook her head. “I’m fine, thank you. You’re so sweet. But I think we should take a break soon. It’s too hot to work like this.”

“Maybe we should go to the mall or something,” he suggested. “Get some fresh air and cool off.”

Julie frowned. “I don’t know, Romy. I don’t feel like going out today. What if I go into labor in public? That would be so embarrassing.”

Romy chuckled. “Don’t worry about that, honey. You’ll be fine. Besides, we have our hospital bag ready in the car, just in case.”

Julie sighed. “I want to finish sorting these papers first.”

Romy nodded. He knew that Julie was a perfectionist and liked to have everything organized and planned ahead of time. He admired her for that, but sometimes he wished she would relax more and enjoy the moment.

He decided to let her do her thing while he went to their bedroom to change his shirt.

Romy opened the drawer in the cabinet. As he did so, he noticed a brown envelope tucked under some books. He pulled it out and recognized it immediately. It was an old letter that he had written to his dad when he was in grade school – his schoolwork for Father’s Day assigned by his teacher to the class.

He felt a pang of nostalgia as he opened the envelope and took out the faded piece of bond paper. His letter was entitled To the Best Dad in The World with a flat piece of golden ribbon marked The Best fastened by his teacher to the paper.

He took a deep breath and read the letter slowly.

Dear Dad,

Happy Father’s Day! You are the best dad in the world because you are always there for me when I need you. You teach me how to ride a bike, how to play basketball, how to do math homework, and how to be a good person.

You are also very witty and fun to be with. You make me laugh with your jokes and stories. You take me to the park, the movies, the zoo, and other cool places.

You are also very smart and strong. You know everything about everything. You can fix anything that is broken. You can lift me with one arm.

You are also very kind and loving. You hug me and kiss me every day. You tell me that you love me and that you are proud of me.

You are my hero, Dad. I want to be just like you when I grow up.

I love you so much, Dad.

                                                                      Your son,

                                                                      Romy

            Romy smiled and felt a tear roll down his cheek. He remembered how happy he was when he showed his dad his letter. His dad hugged him and thanked him for the wonderful gift. His dad had also written something on the back of the paper and told him to read it later.

Romy flipped over the paper and read his dad’s letter. It was entitled “Dad’s Ten Commandments.”

Dear Romy,

Thank you for your beautiful letter. You are the best son in the world and I love you more than anything. You make me very happy and proud every day.

Since you want to be like me when you grow up, I want to give you some advice on how to be a good father. Here are my ten commandments for you:

1.    You shall always love your child unconditionally, no matter what.

2.    You shall always support your child’s dreams, even if they seem crazy or impossible.

3.    You shall always listen to your child’s feelings, even if they don’t make sense or are hard to hear.

4.    You shall always respect your child’s opinion, even if they are different from yours or are wrong.

5.    You shall always teach your child right from wrong but also let them learn from their own mistake.

6.    You shall always protect your child from harm, but also let them face their challenges.

7.    You shall always encourage your child to try new things but also let them have their preferences.

8.    You shall always have fun with your child but also set boundaries and rules.

9.    You shall always be honest with your child, but also be gentle and tactful.

10. You shall always be a good role model for your child, but also admit your flaws and apologize when you mess up.

These are my ten commandments for you, Romy. Follow them and you will be a great father someday.

I love you so much, son.

                                                                                           Your dad

Romy smiled and took a deep breath.

He wished his dad could see him now, about to become a father himself. He wondered what his dad would say to him, what jokes he would crack.

He wished he could hug his dad one more time and tell him how much he missed him and loved him. He wished he could introduce his dad to Julie and their baby. He wished he could celebrate Father’s Day with his dad.

            He looked at the piece of paper one last time and saw something scribbled on the margin of his dad’s letter. It was a note that he had written last year, on Father’s Day:

“Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I know you’re happy with Mom in God’s loving arms.”

He took a pen and added another note below it:

“Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I’m going to be a dad soon. I hope I can make you proud.”

He put the envelope back in the drawer and closed it gently.

He heard Julie yell from the living room.

“Honey, it’s time to go!”

He grabbed his shirt and ran out of the bedroom.

He was ready to go to the hospital.

He was ready to meet his baby.

He was ready to be a father.

Content put together in collaboration with Microsoft Bing AI-powered co-pilot

Head photo courtesy of istockphoto.com

             Video clips courtesy of YouTube