Homecoming 2
A co-worker asked me when I got back from the Philippines what the most memorable part of my vacation was. I was stumped. I couldn’t think of a single thing that stands out as unforgettable. So I said the first thing that came to mind - food! 
The truth is, everything that I did while on vacation was memorable. We celebrated Daddy’s 59th birthday with a dedication ceremony of the house. We had two milestones to celebrate - that Daddy is the longest living in their family, having outlived his parents, and his late older brothers and sisters by 5 years or more. His family’s life expectancy is very short but now we’re hopeful the chain’s been broken and they can all expect a long and healthy life. We also have our 40+ year old house that’s been recently renovated. The intimate party was a success. It brought together family and friends and good food. Ate Mary’s spaghetti is the best and Mama’s pandan buko salad is to die for.
It was raining that day and days before and after that. I haven’t seen so much rain in years! We even had to go through flooded roads that almost killed Boybee’s van. We were all tired after a whole day of shopping in Greenhills and none of us was ready to push the van from waist deep of murky water. Thankfully, it didn’t disappoint us. But going back to the shopping trip, ohmigosh, that was just so much fun! I enjoyed the haggling part. Even if I only got the price down and save about 50 pesos, I felt very proud like it was a major feat. Walang tawad-tawad sa States. I knew I still had my shopping expertise in me. Our purchases that day easily filled out a whole suitcase.
Then there was Goji’s rite of passage. We had him circumcised and by an eye surgeon, no less. Doc Dan came to visit us the day we arrived and when the topic about Goji came up, he offered to do it at home. So we bought all the surgical supplies that he would be needing and he came bright and early Saturday morning to do the deed. I was too nervous but couldn’t let my son know that I was; so I put on my best nonchalant face and told him I’ll just go out to meet some friends and will be back after Tito Doc was finished with him. He was so brave. I was told he didn’t even let out a whimper, just a tiny little tear and that was it. His cousins were impressed. But Mari turned pale when Migui and Goji played a trick on him and told him it was his turn. Boy, that kid can howl. (Continued)
