When you start becoming a Parent

Its a joy when one becomes a parent, to embrace and smell the fragrance of your child, to smell his hair, to enjoy him grow up... and to talk to him when he still in his younger years.

One of the happiest memories of my being a father was when I recited the adhan and iqamah in my children's ears. It was as if I had felt that I was reciting the Adhan and Iqamah for the last time in my life.

During my earlier days as a father, they were one of the hardest. I had to wake up early to buy fish at Malabon fishport and arrive on time to be able to sell the fish at a minimal profit so that I would have regular customers. I believed that it would be better to have 20 customers and gain a few extra pesos than have difficulty getting people to buy from me.

I simply did what I had to do, I sold fish and swallowed every oounce of pride I had in me, himbly peddling fish from house to house, I prayed everyday that I had enough money to be able to buy my son milk, rice for us, and save enough money for the rental of the small shed we called home. I soon went also to selling pandesal after arriving from market, then selling fish as I ran out of fish to sell during the day. It was funny, but I felt God's presence and love during those most trying of moments. These days, I have to pray and meditate real hard just to feel his pressence in my everyday work.

I could even bring my children to the mosque those time, and we'd pray together. All those times made me very happy. Bringing my children in the mosque and praying with them. they were the most happiest moments I ever knew.

I could even recite longer ayah's and surah's from memory.

Yes, It is so happy to become a parent, it makes one very happy and fulfilled.

When one sees them go to school, when one sees them arrive from school, and whenever they kiss you... and whenever they embrace you.... It is a feeling one can never exchange.

These things are the things that make you happy. when you answer their questions, when you play and make jokes with them.... yes... it is indeed the joys of being a parent....