Article 010.
I could never really tell the truth behind my parents story. Dad always over exaggerate how he and Mom started dating, that he was this hunk city boy that Mom was head over heels with. I can say Dad got that sense of humor going on for him and he is somewhat of a fashionista so I don’t know. He may attract a certain market especially women in the boonies where Mom, who really is way gorgeous for her surroundings, is from. So there should be some truth in the story except for the claim that he was a hunk. I love you Dad but let’s get real now.
Mom is Super Mom, this is no exaggeration. Goes to work and does all the chores. And I mean ALL. THE. CHORES! Even with an open wound or a minor broken bone, wherever part of her body that is, it doesn’t slow her down. Dad is designated errand boy, unless it is in the nearby sari-sari store (retail store) which then defaults to me. Me and my sister’s responsibility was to inch our way into a college degree, which is quintessentially the Filipino way to a better life. I’m sure Mom insisted we take part in the chores but it’s either on deaf ears or the delaying tactics would piss her off to the point that she’ll just do it herself. I know it was mean but I was young and lazy as heck, so stop judging. I don’t know if my sister would agree or what her excuse is but she may have something to say once she reads this. Bracing myself.
The journey was nothing but an endless battle to raise the quality of life to the next level. And Mom and Dad worked in sync to achieve that. I think not having that much in life made us appreciate what we actually have and earn. Dad is the perennial spender and Mom is the chronic saver so imagine this dynamic we’ve witnessed growing up. It was like watching reruns of a dramatic tele-serye (TV series). It gets old but there was no escaping. But these two have stood the test of time and after all the hardships, kids growing up and having their own families, and also retirement in the books, they are still a bond to beat. I wish I had the same determination and drive that these two have but I’ve skewed from own my path. My sister though is looking really good of achieving the same feat. Good for her, one of us should. Our parents' road to forever was not at all smooth-sailing, but if you survive this long, it truly is impressive.
They would always have issues answering video calls, I get it. My sister and I would instruct them on how to turn the camera around or how to unmute them, although lately they’ve been on point with that. Mom would always put the phone camera just enough to cover her lower face as if we are video-conferencing with Sia’s hair, and Dad always has a problem hearing us even on full volume, prompting him to put the phone near his ear like it’s a regular voice call. Technology came to them late in life, what can we do? Tell me I’m not the only one who experiences this with their post-retirement folks? But I’m glad they are keeping themselves busy. Mom would either be doing the chores (what else do you think she would be doing?) or she out doing Zumba (now that’s something new). Dad would be watching Netflix, sweeping the surroundings for a bit or going to the palengke (wet market) for his exercise. They may have different interests but they are still together. They are not the showy type of couple but staying as a unit already shows a lot. I love these two and I’m thankful for them having me in their lives. So here’s a shout-out to those who have achieved this feat of longevity, especially to my folks who have lived and witnessed life as one soul. Happy 52nd Anniversary Dad and Mom! To my best couple ever…
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| My true-to-life rock stars! |
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