Bela recalls what her father has taught her over the years
A heartbroken Bela Padilla took to Instagram to mourn the death of her father, Cornelio Sullivan.
The TV-movie actress confirmed the sad news by posting a heartfelt letter for her dad on Instagram on Monday, August 28, 2023.
Bela even shared some priceless throwback photos with her father and began her post saying, “Life really is a series of highs and lows.”
“Our dad passed away last night in his sleep and that is my only consolation in all of this. He wasn’t in pain and he hopefully was dreaming of the happy times in his life,” she said.
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A father’s legacy
In her post, Bela discussed the legacy that his father has left their family through his life and character.
“My sister, Ceri, told me the most beautiful thing last night…my dad loved us, his children, deeply. And he also loved himself. And that certainly is true. My dad loved life and lived his life to the fullest he could.
“He always knew where all the cool places were in any country he was in and the bands in bars loved him because he always sang along,” she said.
Looking back at how much her father influenced her interests, Bela, who enjoys freediving, shared that it was he who taught her how to swim and “be fearless in the water at such an early age.”
She went on to recall his father’s notable traits saying, “His ability to see a problem and think of several solutions first before reacting is something I try to practice. He never took no for an answer when he believed something was right and he made sure that everybody knew what ‘right’ was.
“I never saw him upset…or lose his cool. Never saw him get angry or mad at anybody (in front of me). He was very empathetic but still madly funny. And he gave the best hugs, never letting go first.”
The 32-year-old movie actress admitted that she would have wished for an extra day with her dad, but that would have been unfair.
“I will always wish for one more day, but that would be unfair. For now, and until paradise comes, the memories will tide us over.”
Bela received a ton of support from fellow celebrities amid these trying times for her family.
Among those who offered their condolences were Anne Curtis, Sharon Cuneta, Kylie Verzosa, Vhong Navarro, Kim Chiu, Lorna Tolentino, Coney Reyes, Dani Barretto, Jericho Rosales, and Jodi Sta. Maria, among others.
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