Aiko Melendez shares realization after losing her stepfather to COVID-19
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"If only the 'so-called friends' of Dad was just honest enough to tell him their condition..." Aiko Melendez penned a message to herself after losing her stepfather to COVID-19.
Seasoned actress Aiko Melendez is mourning the death of her stepfather, Dan Castaneda, yesterday, February 21, due to COVID-19.
On Instagram, Aiko penned a letter addressed to herself, where she recalled her memories with her stepfather.
She wrote, "The passing of my dad has taught me so many things in life, and I know I will still learn more as days go by.
"I slept crying and still I woke up crying and while composing this letter, tears just keep rolling down my face."
Aiko was only six years old when her mom, Elsie Castaneda, married her stepfather. Her biological father, actor Jimi Melendez, passed away in 1997.
She added, "Basically, more than half of my life, he was the father I never had, because my Papa Jimi and mom got separated, and he passed away eventually."
Based on Aiko's post, her stepfather got infected by COVID-19 after meeting with some friends.
"I'm feeling so much pain now because I know in my heart that if only the 'so-called friends' of Dad was just honest enough to tell him their condition, then our dad might have been alive till now.
"I have been praying, Lord knows how much I'm praying to forgive, and to not just point fingers.
"But if there's something I know now, I prayed for this, I know there is a lesson that my Dad wants us to all learn from his story.
"He wants us all to take COVID-19 seriously. My Daddy Dan wants us to be extra careful with the people we mingle with, kahit pa kaibigan mo 'yan."
The Prima Donnas actress then shared the one lesson her dad taught when finding the right man.
"My Dad was a selfless man. He is too good with everyone around him.
"I am a living testimony. He treated me as his own flesh and blood.
"Daddy, you will be missed! Sobra. And like you always tell me, 'Be with a man who sees you like how I see you and loves you and your mom.'
"Sabi mo nga kay Jay Khonghun, 'Alagaan mo anak ko. Mahal ko 'yan.'
"Thank you for being the best lolo to my kids, Andre Yllana and Marthena Jickain. They are in pain, too, dad."
Aside from Aiko's stepfather, there are also numerous celebrities who got infected by COVID-19.
Know more about them here:
