If you have the power to go back in time….. where will you go?

#DaddyJimLessons

#ONETeam #SNAPS #SageandNotableAdvisesfromPatrickSalazar

At the age of 10 during summer time at the PICC recreation grounds (Philippine International Convention Center), my dad taught me how to ride a bike. I remember he was holding the back of the seat, giving out instructions on how to keep my balance, telling me to keep my eyes on the road… my heart was beating really loud.

“When you’re falling to your left, stir the handle to your left. When your falling to your right, stir your handle to your right. No matter what happens do not stop pushing your feet on the pedals”, dad said.

I shouted… “Dad, I’m afraid I will fall!!”

Dad said… “You can do it! I know you can do it!!”

I said “Never let go of the seat, dad!!”

He said “Trust in yourself.. I’ll always be here!!” (As his voice faded…. my hear beat slowly went back to normal)

And then… I trusted myself.

I was riding that bike by myself for the very first time.

When I paused coz I still didn’t know how to turn the bike around, I looked around and saw my dad running towards me. I can still picture the BIG smile on his face, clapping proudly telling everyone “Anak ko yan!!” (That’s my boy!!)

Dad taught me a lot of firsts. How to write a poem, a speech, an article, a proposal, how to debate, present, win, and accept defeat. How to drive a manual transmission (stick) car, parallel parking, creating a travel plan, first aid, safety stops, and having back-up to back-up plans. He taught me how to respect women, my wife, my family, God, and our community. He taught me how to share everything with everyone.

Dad said… “not everyone is privileged to have a dad who teaches them things, so you must share everything I’m teaching you with others… promise that to me, Ricky”

“Opo”, I replied.

(This is why I have #365SNAPS)

*About the photo

This is my dad with my son, Great, over a decade ago. He taught my son how to harvest taro (gabi) roots, and, later my mom taught him how to cook a popular Filipino vegetable dish called “laing”.

(Do you see the BIG smile of my dad knowing he taught his grandson something new…. priceless!)

I’m blessed that my son can learn new things straight from my mentor (dad).

p.s.

Zooming in on the photo.. that’s the watch I gifted to my dad. (memories are golden)

Oh gosh… why do I have happy tears rolling down my cheeks as I write this?