Seeing this picture makes me teary eyed since reminiscing the last happy moments with my mother is the only way I can do to bring back all the memories. I never thought January 2010 would be the last New Year I could celebrate with Nanay Lucy and we were together in my company headquarters in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon with my nephew Ace Raki Hampton who was about to turn 5 years old that year. Happy was our New Year even with just the three of us together plus the two dogs and a cat that served as my companions. And the joy we had was extended until we came home to Burauen to spend my vacation with my twin brother and his family.
I had so many memories with Nanay and Tatay. Marlo and I grew up with no yaya or nanny. Nanay took care of us
while Tatay was in the farm. As we grew older, we go together to the
farm to plant crops and during harvest time, we sell our produce in the
neighborhood. In school, I was always on the top of the class, a reason
for my parents to be honored. But Tatay and Nanay never managed to go up stage during graduation and recognition ceremonies because they don't want to cry. My Lola Meyang, Nanay Fe and Nanay Elit were always my suki to pin the ribbon and award the medals during ceremonies. When I was already a soldier, I always ask Nanay to do things for me as my paglalambing. She massages my tired feet from running and walking during operations, washes my clothes even I don't want her to do it, cooks food like ginataang langka, beef steak and inihaw na isda that I requested when I am going home for the weekend. Going to the market during market day was also an opportunity to spend time with Nanay who would always say that everything I bought were all expensive but I kept on telling her that in Manila the price is doubled so I have to take advantage. My father was a guitarist and keyboard player. During weekends with them, our house is somewhat like a music house with Tatay in the guitar, me in the keyboard and Nanay as the singer. My twin brother seldom visit our home because of his job.
Looking at the face of my nephew in the picture above, he is cute as cute as he is now at the age of 8. During my visit to Nanay when she was already bedridden in a hospital in Burauen, Leyte, she had no other request but for me to take care of her favorite grandchild being the first "apo" from my twin brother Marlo. Of course, a wish from a mother who was about to leave cannot be ignored and so I promised to take charge of Raki. The kid is with me since 2011 and I enrolled him in a private school. At 8 years old, he is independent. Knowing my job, he can be trusted alone in my quarters with the three dogs enjoying the vacant time watching TV, drawing, doing puzzles, molding clays and many more. Although he is pasaway kung minsan, I love him so much. Hoping and praying we can be together forever even when I grow old.
My parents are both in heaven. Tatay died in 2005 and Nanay in 2010 but their memories are still fresh. I know they visit us from time to time comforting me when I am in distress and Raki when suffering from asthma attacks and guiding us both where ever we go. Thanks Nanay and Tatay, we miss you so much. Until we meet again.:-*
