Reminishing/s

My "Kuya" during our undergraduate years visited me in the office after years and years of not seeing each other. To me he is just "Kuya" but his name is Charlz. I am eldest of four daughters, and when i was younger, i pacified the need for a big brother in the person of my constant companion in college. We were very good friends with almost same preferences. He is older and everytime we come to gatherings of people who dont know us, they asked if he is my older brother. Nobody asked if he is my boyfriend or something to that effect, just 'is he your brother"? We realized we have similar facial features and color, and these prompted me to call him "Kuya", so nobody asked questions anymore.

He is also the eldest in the family and the only boy. I recall, his two younger sisters always come to me whenever they have some little problems, as if i am their older sister too. I appreciated that, of course. However, after graduation we went separate ways. Somehow our professional careers excluded each other in our paths. Can you imagine my joy in seeing him again!

I am however, very sorry that he is now slightly diabetic, with high blood pressure and just become claustrophobic. I felt bad for him, as his work demands frequent flying. That would limit his access to more work and more wonderful places, especially for his work on Social forestry, conservation, teaching and journalism. At least he is also meditating, that will help maintain his health. I will be praying for you and am very glad we re-connected again! You will be fine!

1st lesson in detachment

Eriel was 8 and Allen was 6 when their Lolo, my father died. This could be their first lesson in detachment. However, Lolo was a stroke patient for more than 4 years before he died, which means he was not able to play much with the two grandchildren. During those 4 yrs he can walk for a few meters with a cane, but he does not talk much and just smiled and say a little to the then still very small kids. I remember Allen hiding the cane from him, and Lolo just said 'lokong bata ito', smiling. We stayed with him for a month in the hospital before he died. We brought the 2 kids only once in the hospital to visit him, because he already has all the tubes. The kids did not cry when he died. They just said they were a bit lonely because Lolo is not sitting whole day in his chair anymore.

When one of the first generation kittens left the house for our cousin, we thought the kids will be fine. However, when cousins already left with the kitten, Eriel cried aloud. She cannot control her emotions anymore that real fresh tears are shed. They have already bonded so much with the kittens that it already is difficult to part with one, even if the mother and the 2 kittens are still left. Imagine, Eriel was already 10 yet she really felt the loss of a loved one, a kitten.

Allen on the other hand, did not cry but he chose the recipient of the kitten. He chose the one who really loves cats and has plenty of food to give, and will have plenty of time to pet the kitten. Wise decision. And he did not seem to be lonely after that.

The new batch. Those in the first batch are also ready to have their own kittens.


How can u not love these.... ....and this, innocent looking baby


the brood of old and new batches ...comfort of Eriel's cap!
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