My American Stepfather

Written By: Ma. Cristina Lao

 

 

A Father's Past

My Papa, Franklin D. Peek, grew up in West Virginia, USA. His father was a miner, and his mother, despite the hardships of their life, always made sure he felt loved. She would even send him magazines from back home whenever he was far away, a small reminder that he was never forgotten.

Seeking a different path, Papa joined the U.S. Air Force and built a career as an airplane mechanic and technician. His military years gave him discipline, resilience, and a sense of responsibility—qualities he carried with him for the rest of his life.

Eventually, Franklin retired from the Air Force as a Sergeant and, in the 1970s, came to the Philippines. This new chapter would lead him to cross paths with my mother and, later, become the man I would grow up calling Papa.

My Mother's Story

  

My mother was only 16 when she worked as a clerk at Golden Dragon Hotel in Butuan City, Philippines. The hotel was owned by a Chinese man who had married her aunt. Coming from a big family of 13 siblings, her parents could not afford to send everyone to school. Most of her brothers and sisters worked on the farm, but my mother was determined to pursue her studies. She became a school scholar and consistently earned high marks in every subject.

One day, her school held a special “Valentine’s Day” party. All the young girls lined up, waiting for their prince charming. My mother, in charge of the attendance, sat quietly on the side when a handsome young man named Pablo Pernites caught her attention. He was standing at a distance, watching her closely.

Finally, he approached and said he wanted to ask a girl for a dance. My mother pointed at the line of girls and told him he could choose any of them. But he replied, “No, I only want to dance with you. Is that okay?”

That was how my real parents met. It sounds like a sweet love story, but as life went on, it was not as good as it seemed. Their marriage faced struggles, and in time, my mother found herself on a very different path—one that eventually led her to meet Franklin. 

Meeting My Stepfather

When Franklin came into our lives, I was only three years old. From the very beginning, he wasn’t just my mother’s partner—he became my Papa.

He wasn’t the type of man who openly showed affection or said a lot of sweet words. Instead, he showed his love through discipline and protection. He was strict, and at times, it felt like he was tough on us. But looking back, I realize that his strictness was his way of preparing us for life.

What makes his love even greater is that he didn’t just accept my mother’s three children—he also welcomed my mother’s sister, Yaya Sita, and my cousin Michelle. We were one big family during that time, and he embraced us all under his roof without hesitation.

Because of him, I grew up strong, independent, and resilient. His way of raising me made me the woman I am today—someone who can fight for her rights, face challenges, and keep moving forward no matter what. To me, he was never “just” a stepfather. He was my true father in every way that mattered..

                                                           

                                                  My Papa’s Legacy

Looking back now, I realize how much of who I am today came from him—his discipline, his protection, and even his strictness. He may not have shown affection in obvious ways, but his presence and firmness were his way of loving us.

Because of Papa, I grew up strong, independent, and resilient. He taught me—without words—that life requires courage, discipline, and the will to stand up for what is right. I carry those lessons with me every day, in the way I face challenges and in the way I live my life.

Family, I learned, is not always about blood but about presence, guidance, and the sacrifices someone is willing to make for you.

This month, I dedicate this blog to my Papa in heaven. You are not forgotten, and you never will be. I love you and miss you always. 💙