Tuesday, June 22, 2010

To the Wife of the Visionary

Dear Tita Lyn,

On your 60th birthday, allow us to give a long overdue tribute to the Wife of the Visionary, the woman who is the force behind Tony Meloto, and the wind beneath his wings.

This is for all the years that you've had to be, at one and the same time, the ever-patient companion, willing to share her husband with the world and yet always ready to welcome him with open arms every time he comes home tired, bruised and broken from the mission.  Thank you for being Tito Tony's silent cheerleader, his partner when the burdens seem too heavy to bear.

Here's to your being the immaculate housemaker, the business manager able to create a beautiful life for the family despite modest resources.  Somehow, with all those roles you're still the loving mother, the disciplinarian when necessary, the best friend and infallible source of wisdom.

This is a tribute to the composure and dignity that you always seem to carry with you, despite some of the most painful storms that have raged throughout the years.  There are many who are there to share the tributes to Tito Tony, but you have gracefully carried yourself through the lonely moments when the criticisms seemed overwhelming, and the real friends, few.

Thank you for your generosity to open your heart and home to every person that believes in the mission.  Because of you, every missionary has found their home in the Meloto residence, and has been warmly welcomed into your family.  Team Meloto is also Team GK.  And what a privilege to be son or daughter to you, and sister or brother to your amazing children, who are now living out the mission, and are our co-servants as we build a poverty-free world.

Because of all these and so much more, you are truly beautiful in our eyes.  And in the eyes of Tito Tony, no woman could ever come close.  

They say Tony Meloto is the visionary, but I believe you were one too -- you saw the diamond in the rough, and knew in your heart that he was a man destined for greatness in the Lord's service.  Because of you, we have Tito Tony as our mentor and role model, the Filipinos have a man they can be proud of, and the poor have found the love of a father.

You are such a wonderful blessing, and we can only pray for many more happy and healthy years with the family that you love dearly!  Happy birthday Tita Lyn, we love you!

In behalf of all the young moms out there who look up to you,

Issa

1 comment:

  1. Happy birthday Tita Lyn!We love you!

    Ate Ish, you're such a great writer...so moving! Love reading your notes and blogs always. Continue inspiring us through that gift of yours.mwahugz!

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