I’ve come to realize that one of the greatest mistakes I’ll ever have made in this life is to not have stopped working once in a while to come and visit my family here. Already I’m jealous of my sister and the two return trips here that she’s made. My relatives here are every bit as warm and inviting as I remember them being as a child. The only change being that the passage of time has been kind to others and not so much to some.
My nephew and nieces are so ridiculously cute. It saddens me much to know that I’ve never had a place in their childhood and probably never will beyond this sudden flash visit (and hopefully a few more in the future), so I make the most of my time here. I joke and try to pull the older nieces out of their shy shells, but they seem somewhat intimidated by my awesome command of the tagalog language. Tengo el gato mis pantalones.
As members of the older generation, time hasn’t been as kind to some of my aunts and uncles and the same helpless feeling I get when I see it’s passage wearing away at my mother and father sets in when I greet and hug each of them. It’s such a stark contrast to how clearly I remember their strength and how vibrant they were when I was younger. I wish with all my heart that I had done so much more with myself so that I’d be in a better position to help everyone more, but I am what I am. I remember them all to be such giving and nurturing uncles and aunts, if I could give them the shirt off my back I would.
Enough emo-ness though. People here are MUCH more friendly than they are stateside. Maybe that’s not really the case and it’s all a front, but they’re very good at seeming sincere. I’m not sure what it is. All the gas stations are full service, so you don’t have to get out of your car to fill ‘er up. I haven’t had to open many doors when going shopping because there are guards at most doors to open them for you. Even when you’re backing up into a spot, random people will help guide you into your spot to make sure that you don’t hit anything. Everyone calls you “sir” or “m’am” here, just to be safe I guess. The little touches make a huge difference though. Not that my ego needs stroking, but it’s an extra level of effort in deference that I don’t see much in the states.
So far I’m really REALLY enjoying my visit here. I’m enjoying hanging out with my cousins and uncles and aunts that I haven’t seen in ages. Even as I write this a feeling of sadness is fluttering in as my mind acknowledges that by this time next week, I’ll be home. I do miss home and everyone there, but this visit feels much too short.
Joseph, Glo-Anne and I spent the day in Tarlac yesterday and came back with most everyone there. We were supposed to leave early for Tagaytay today, yet here I am at 9:30am still waiting for everyone to finish their showers. At least it gave me an opportunity to throw up a quick update. I really can’t wait to get these pics retroactively inserted here.