Looking through a father's eyes

I was looking for some feature story this morning for my Father's Day feature when i met this fruit vendor by the Times Beach road in Davao City. The sun's heat was scorching but he was determined to make the day's sale. He was riding his bike when we passed by him so i asked him to park for a while.
I started asking him what day today. He can't answer, he just replied "its Sunday right?" Yes i replied, but i continued to ask him if he could remember a special day on June. He was surprised to hear today is father's day. His eyes started to get wet but he was trying to hold the tears. He started telling me his story.
Joel, the fruit vendor, has five kids, the youngest is in elementary. Since he got married, selling mangoes on the street was the only living he has. He work almost all day to sell all those mangoes to get 200 pesos daily income. This is where he get his children's allowances and fare, and food. He said his back is aching lately and he wanted to relax for a day but he can't waste a day's income. It's hard he said, but i have to work for my family. "I chose to be a father, so i have to prove them i am worthy," said joel while his eyes turned red. I know there's pain in his heart. I know he don't want to stop working but i also know he deserves a day for himself.
To my father and other dads out there who, like joel, deserves to feel our love, i'd like to offer you this poem.

What Makes A Dad
(Author is unknown)

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad
============================
============================