thank you, lolo juan

the day after my birthday, i went home to pampanga. we had a simple celebration. my father who happens to be the best cook prepared the most delicious pansit. i bought two loaves of tasty bread, a gallon of my favorite strawberry ice cream, and two pet bottles of cola. as with any family celebration or dinner, it was customary that i lead the prayer.



after the dinner we found ourselves chatting while having dessert in the sala. the house became filled with laughter and cheer. i was seated next to my lolo juan when i remembered that i had brought something for him. immediately i went to my room and took out a shirt which i received for free thanks to my work. i gave it to him and asked if it's the perfect fit. lolo then stood and took off the shirt that he was wearing. he made haste to wear the shirt that i gave him.

tamang-tama lang. at bagay na bagay. he said with a beaming smile.

that was the third shirt that i gave him but he was still excited as ever to wear it as if it was the first.

the next day, it was sunday, i woke up early because i had to go back to manila for a work-related event. with my backpack i went out of the house to say my farewell to lolo who was resting on his swing which was tied under the jackfruit tree. he was taking a nap when i kissed his forehead. he looked up at me.

luluwas ka na? kailan ka babalik? he asked.

kung hindi sa weekend. sa susunod na weekend. i answered.

he gave me a nod. it's his way of saying that i should take care of myself until we meet again. then i rubbed his head. it's my way of saying that he should take care of himself while i am away.

last saturday when i saw my lolo juan, he wasn't wearing the shirt which i gave him.

there i was staring at him for a very long time. his face was very peaceful. i grinned as i touched the nose which i got from him and for which i am very grateful. funny how the visitors and other distant relatives noted of our close resemblance. of course i wasn't named after him for nothing.

*****
lolo, thank you for being my personal bodyguard when i was in preparatory, for being a fan during commencement exercises, for being a believer in my abilities and for being proud of me. i will certainly going to miss you a lot. don't you worry about lola lucia, i will take care of her. i am sad that you will not be physically present when the time comes that i have finished my masters and doctorate degrees but i know you'll be telling your neighbors in paradise that you have an apo like me. i love you lolo juan. farewell for now.