**"A father is not just the head of the house—he is the heart that keeps it beating with love, faith, and quiet strength."**—unknown ![Messenger_creation_F0BC65E4-3790-474A-8BBF-219E7D6A4B80.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/rubenjr/48RsWxsoymeieokHjzjJyVeCqj8v58Nd6CTHGSVprMgyeead4AKt38DDRQB8zQNG5N.jpeg) Hello, Hive family. My name is Ruben T. Companion Jr., a 45-year-old father of four—three beautiful daughters and one son. I'm not someone special by the world’s standards. I'm just a simple man trying to do right by the people who count on me. I don’t have much money in my wallet, but I carry something heavier: the responsibility of being a husband and a father. And even though it’s not always easy, I carry it with love, faith, and quiet determination.

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My wife is a Master Teacher I at an elementary school. She’s one of the most hardworking and devoted people I know, and I’m lucky to have her as my partner in this journey. We help each other raising our kids the best way we know how, with love, trust in God, and the decision to keep moving forward, no matter how tough life gets.

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_{**Then vs. Now**} --- We’re not rich. But we’re not poor either. Well, you could say we belong to the middle class. But to be honest, there have been moments (many of them) when we’ve struggled financially. During those times, I find myself becoming what some people call the “biggest liar” in the household. That may sound strange but If you’re a parent, you’ll understand. ![Messenger_creation_105FF2B5-FE45-46C7-95D3-C2C5A6F7A800.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/rubenjr/23vYmxSDa7AFPBdUqFQkJp7dMSMVi7fBqewyXbmpMewBTpGkoTVvxtjfVH33cLLckNv8P.jpeg) They say that parents are the biggest liars in the world. And it’s true. Because even when there’s not enough for myself, I still smile and say to my children: “I’m okay.” “I’ve already eaten.” “I can manage.” But the truth is, I’m exhausted, hungry, and I cry. But I keep going because I’m a father and you know that’s what fathers do. I don’t keep pushing because it’s easy. I do it because my family needs me, even on the days when I feel like I’ve got nothing left to give. And when I feel like I’ve reached my limit, I talk to God. I ask Him to give me the strength to get through just one more day. ![Messenger_creation_2F3A72C2-ED12-48CD-9012-BDD7E98B64C6.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/rubenjr/Eoke1NwAnnaMM6g7wmMoxPAkSGwmVNs9ojH1gGDdAJb2zPY5GXTm6q4NEa33fRt2Hh9.jpeg) I’m not trying to be perfect. I just try my best, day by day, to be someone my family can look up to. Life moves fast. Sometimes we miss out on moments because we’re busy or because things change when we least expect. That’s why I remind my kids to focus on their goals, to keep dreaming, and to work for those dreams. I tell them it won’t be easy but it’s always worth it. ![Messenger_creation_FCDF3606-67C6-4A42-BD9B-A4E0DA6C2A62.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/rubenjr/EogMqchqrTptTV6JEqiHNnWZmrhgRi4bNgqxaUq2Tr8d611URKtKLPqigNjNL3qgRiZ.jpeg) Aside from working hard, I also raise animals at home not just to help support our needs, but for a deeper reason: **I want to train my children to manage small businesses early on.** Because I know… we, as parents, won’t always be around. That’s why while they’re still young, I want them to see what real hard work looks like. I want them to grow up knowing I didn’t just hand them everything. Of course, they saw me work, and I made sure they learned what it means to be responsible, to survive when things aren’t easy. I don’t want to leave them unready for life. I want them to remember that I didn’t just put food on the table, I tried to prepare them and tried to raise them to stand on their own. ![Messenger_creation_DFF9F306-1EAB-4A1E-9235-1B5E7377363F.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/rubenjr/Eqb24UJe96MH3LPLd6hX6MUKUYrGbk75Gh9rmGf2PEDkW1ZMxD8djZxmzQvmCAtDF92.jpeg) And that one day, when they think of a father, my name will be another name for LOVE. Like most people, I’ve got a few hobbies too. Just simple things that help me stay grounded when life gets a bit too heavy. One of the things I live the most is **singing**. I’ve really loved music. It’s my way of letting out feelings that are hard to explain with words. Music has a way of connecting people, and I’ve always felt that. Maybe someday, I’ll start sharing a few songs or thoughts here on Hive just little pieces of that part of me. ![Messenger_creation_C710C134-F91E-4040-B19D-39053007C1C5.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/rubenjr/23tmNAQtAhnFX9PsUJNHisSxXvPi5LD2r7a1dSNoypiZRBF9otNceg6yQD2P3KEtyCaVH.jpeg) _{**a photo taken by my daughter, Ruffa**} I’ve also liked **reading and writing**.it helps me clear my mind and learn new things at the same time. I enjoy reading different kinds of stories and seeing things from other people’s point of view. As for writing, it’s kind of my way of making sense of things. It helps me put my thoughts and experiences into words, even if they’re not perfect. I’m actually looking forward to sharing some of that here, just small reflections, little stories, or things I’ve picked up along the way. ---

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--- Another hobby that might surprise some is my love for **raising animals**. It’s something I really enjoy. Taking care of them gives me a peace especially when life gets stressful. They help me slow down and appreciate the simple things. I also loves seeing them grows. Aside from everything else, I’m also into **chess**. But I don’t just play, I teach too haha. I’ve got a few students I help train, and it honestly makes me proud seeing them win their games. And we all know that chess can be tricky. It's about helping them think ahead, stay patient, and learn how to focus. Seeing them improve keeps me going. Maybe one of these days, I’ll share a few tips or chess stories here on Hive too. ![Messenger_creation_B2483447-7D04-4119-981A-26028EA5818C.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/rubenjr/EogPM6b8CwuWQnduaexL7Rs1eKRPZmjZnUm2Mrj1JNbg4TvfByvRD8wnxRH7LxCt2Bu.jpeg) And aside from chess, I also coach **table tennis**. It’s fun, and like chess, it’s not just about winning. I get to teach people how to stay focused, think clearly, and respect others.things that matter both on and off the table. One more thing I really enjoy is **public speaking**. Just like my daughter, I am also a public speaker. It’s one of those things that reminds me I have something worth saying. ![Messenger_creation_E5DF9684-67C3-4078-9E2B-946B9CBFD17D.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/rubenjr/EoeHM3TQmjvKRkHrsADeqNcuacgB3REyF7DK7CWDdQY7Uojtb268ph6DTY9TntvAzj3.jpeg) Because of these hobbies, my daughter @rufajane introduced me to Hive. She told me that I could use the things I love to inspire others. I am also truly grateful to Ma’am @dehai for her unwavering support for newbies like me who are just beginning their journey here.

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--- I believe that through the experiences I’ve gained and the talents I’ve been blessed with, I can contribute meaningfully to this platform. My hope is to encourage others especially those who share the same struggles and dreams by reminding them that their story matters too. After all,***experiences are not meant to be kept to ourselves; they are meant to be shared, to teach, and to inspire.*** — unknown That would be all for this blog and thank you very much for reading.