How do dads show their love?

MANILA, Philippines – Sometimes we don’t give our fathers enough credit.

Daddy, papa, tatay – whatever you choose to call him, he’s a quiet but steady presence in your life.

It’s this very reticence that makes fathers fade into the background, and we fail to appreciate all they’ve done for us. They do these sacrifices, big or small, without making too big of a deal about it or expecting anything in return.

Sometimes we even forget they’re there. From waiting for their child’s birth, to watching them walk down the aisle, their presence is something we have come to expect and rely on, even if we don’t always realize it.

The role dads play

McDonald’s recently released a video highlighting our fathers’ patience whenever we say, “Wait lang po.” As of writing, the video had more than 11 million views from Facebook and YouTube combined.

Netizens tagged their own dads in the comments section, thanking them for their enduring affection.

After the release of the video, the company surprised waiting dads with McCafe Premium Roast Coffee in select hospitals, including Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Jesus Delgado Memorial Hospital, and Philippine General Hospital.

A lot of them were newly minted dads waiting for their wives to convalesce post-labor, or finish pregnancy check-ups.

Prior to the delivery, Jordan Uy was excited, already picturing whether his firstborn would look more like him or his wife.

Ryan Salud harbored a myriad of emotions. He had cried upon seeing his first child, and felt ready to give everything to her.

But they weren’t just approaching the radiant possibilities of fatherhood. There were feelings of fear and apprehension thrown into the mix.

Elyzaldy Ganotice just had his third child. The glow of fatherhood never wears off, but he’s worried about being able to provide for his brood. “Masaya sa una, pero mahirap lalo na’t tatlo na sila,” he said. (I’m happy, but it’s going to be hard now that there are three of them.) 

Meanwhile, Mierphil Leal, Jr. felt uneasy about being unable to do anything while waiting for his wife, who was in the delivery room. He was nervous and stressed.

The wait for fatherhood can be excruciating. But the clock can tick even more slowly for waiting dads who were there with sick children.

Reynaldo Reyes III was on tenterhooks for the diagnosis of his feverish, convulsing 10-month-old. He hated seeing his child suffer, but knew there was nothing else to do but wait for the doctor’s advice.

Elmer Tumulin’s days-old child is in an incubator due to low blood pressure. While waiting for updates from the doctor, a sad Elmer said, “Nakakatakot kasi nasa panganib na kalagayan yung anak mo. Masakit makita mo yung anak mong nasa hirap.” (It’s frightening because your child is in grave danger. It hurts to see them in pain.)

But no matter how long the wait and what happens after, these dads appreciate the joys of fatherhood – and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.

Giving back to dad

He may not be vocal about his feelings. You may not see eye to eye on some things. You may not feel like he understands you.

But words are not his only medium of love. He also offers his patience and willingness to make sacrifices, which show how devoted he is to his family.

How often – and for how long – have you made your father wait? How do you plan to let him know you much you love him this Father’s Day? – Rappler.com

This June 18, bring your dad to any McDonald’s outlet and he’ll get a coupon for free coffee, redeemable from June 18-30!