Sunday, October 19, 2008



My parents are leaving for China in about ten hours and I cannot still embrace the idea that they will be gone for five days. Five whole days without the folks' presence can be a privilege to some but for me, I would have to say that it is something that tears me apart. Apparently, I am quite attached to them, specially to my Mom, that I cannot bear the idea that I would not see them for almost a week. Quite a challenge, I suppose.

As a kid, I was not really used to having my parents away from home for quite a while. I got used to seeing my Mom, most often than not, with me around the house and my dad, well, he goes home before supper and we would all have a happy, family dinner at about 7 in the evening. (This was usually accompanied by conversations recounting how each one's day went. If I had ample time to spare, Mom and I would talk about anything we could think of-- such reduces the amount of pressure I feel when I am trapped with a handful of demands from school.) Before I sleep, I would go to their bedroom and give them each my goodnight kiss and ILY's. Sometimes, I would even catch them tucking me in at night. Ha! So much of a kid I am, eh? Well, it's not that I ask to be tucked in at night by my Mom but then again, it's not against my will either. Perhaps, my Mom still thinks I'm her little girl-- at least, when I'm asleep in the middle of the night. My dad, on the other hand, gives us little pecks and sweetly says, "goodnight." I never actually thought my Dad could break the walls of his stern being and strict ways. Alas, I have been proved otherwise. Indeed, behind his serious aura is a really tender-hearted man and affectionate father-- and for that, I am proud to be his daughter.

My parents are not OFW's and they seldom leave us behind, unless it's a really urgent matter. Most of the time, if budget allows it, we get to tag along their trips. But as for this case, the trip to China concerns only the folks and, unfortunately, us, kids, have to stay behind and take the gruesome Quarterly Tests. Ha, talk about terror! But on the contrary, I guess I will be preoccupied studying and burning the midnight oil-- HOPEFULLY!! It will surely be a good time to get my mind busy instead being overwhelmed by their temporary absence. With all being well, I still cannot say that I wouldn't miss them because, somehow, sometime, I will long for their goodnight kisses and comforting embrace, which I am completely robbed off for these coming five days.