Why I Chose August 15 to Launch Dear Pet Mom
This post is published under Tails and Reflections, a reflective series from The Pet Mom Journal, where I explore mindful living, emotional well-being, and the quiet joys of pet parenthood.
Dear Pet Mom,
August 15 is not just another date on the calendar for me. It would have been my dad’s 68th birthday.
He passed away in 2018, the same year I got married. That year was a whirlwind. I had spent the first three months in Canada and returned to the Philippines in April. Just one month later, in May, my dad passed away. Looking back, I will always be grateful that I came home when I did. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was being given one last chance to be with him.
Today, instead of focusing only on his loss, I choose to celebrate his life. And what better way than to dedicate the formal launch of Dear Pet Mom to his memory.
The Man Who Introduced Me to Tech
My dad was an engineer, a reader, and one of the earliest tech enthusiasts I ever knew. In the late ’80s, long before technology became part of everyday life in the Philippines, he introduced me and my brother to computers. I still remember the thick books he read, filled with diagrams and command lines.
He followed Bill Gates closely, subscribing to tech magazines and watching the tech sections of the news. He shared stories with us about how technology was going to change the world. Long before the internet became mainstream in our country, my dad had already shown us what it could do.
Eventually, he started his own IT company and invited me to join after I graduated from university. That invitation shaped the course of my life. I’ve been in tech ever since, even after moving to Canada. And now, because of that path, I’ve been able to create Dear Pet Mom; a blog built on digital tools, a love for animals, and a desire to help others.
A Legacy That Lives On
The reason I’m able to do what I do today, and the reason this blog even exists, is because of my father. It’s his curiosity, his encouragement, and his influence that set this all in motion.
So today, on what would have been his birthday, I celebrate him. I celebrate the life he lived and the legacy he left behind.
Thank you Pa. I miss you and I love you always.
Who Has Made a Difference in Your Life?
Is there someone in your life who has touched you deeply or changed your path in a meaningful way?
If they’re still here, reach out. Tell them. Thank them. Let them know how their influence has impacted you.
And if, like me, your person is no longer here, take a moment to honor them in your own way: quietly, joyfully, or through something you create.
Thank you for being here, Dear Pet Mom.
This blog is about more than just pets. It’s about connection, growth, and the quiet, beautiful ways our lives are shaped by those we love.
Pet Mom Reflection
If this blog stirred something in you, whether a thought, a memory, or a quiet question, you might enjoy this journal prompt I created just for you.
Prompt:
Who has influenced your life in a way that still shapes your choices today?
A Note About Journal Prompts
Not everyone journals the same way. Some of us love having prompts to spark thought. Others, like me, prefer to journal only when the moment feels right.
At Dear Pet Mom, I include journal prompts as gentle invitations. You’re always free to use them, ignore them, or return to them later.
There’s no right or wrong way to reflect. Let your thoughts come as they will, in whatever form feels true to you.
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It’s gentle, once-a-month inspiration designed to help you feel prepared, confident, and connected in caring for your furry family. No spam, just love and practical help for you and your pet.
