E’s World: All roads lead to Chicago
February 6, 2013
“No Mack truck today, Ethan!” My mom called out. Lately, the house has been awfully busy with guests and visitors coming to visit. I thought they were coming for me but instead they came for my Ampa.
First was Lala’s college friends from Connecticut (Auntie Cecile) and Philadelphia (Auntie Tina). How we have become blood related, don’t ask me: It is complicated. Apparently, among Filipinos everybody is an aunt (“Tita” in Filipino) or uncle (“Tito”), you just don’t address them by their first name. No…No.
Then there is the ritual of kissing their hand which my Ampa imposes as a mandatory greeting of elders. Being the smallest you could imagine how many hands I have to “bless”, of course, I could throw a tantrum which always works. Boy, I am good.
There is Uncle PeterP and his family who came to visit, also. They are close family friends and they brought some of Ampa’s favorite food. Food and Filipinos are synonymous; there is always food around. There is so much foot traffic in the house that I am unable to drive my Mack truck.
For the this weekend, I hear more visitors are coming. There’s Auntie Ria and her husband Uncle Rene from Houston, TX. I hear Auntie Ria is Ampa’s college friend back in Manila and had insisted on visiting. Wait there’s more: the following weekend it will be Ampa’s sister and her family from Canada, and his brother coming in from Manila. Full house! I just hope they bring some goodies for me. Yes!
Friends and family are what makes you. They bring you love and strength when you need them. They are always there. I thank God I was born to this family. Moreover, I am glad my Gramps is with me.
Cheers.
PS: Ampa had his stomach drained again and they got two liters. Wow.
Hey, Ethan. Be a good host there, and don’t run your truck over anyone’s toes! Say hi to your Ampa for me.
Wow…a full house. Good that you are doing the kissing the hand ritual. Your cousins here in Canada are also doing it. They grew up not kissing the hands, but do the hug and cheek kiss. But now I insist they do the “bless” the hands, it is a Filipino tradition that we would want to pass on to the next generation. We are looking forward to our visit..but you be ready, with your Uncle Miguel and Wappy, I know they will make a toy out of you. Like when your Uncle Pao (age 5 that time) visited us, I saw a picture of him inside the laundry basket with something on his head. Had asked them to baby sit him and that is when they did that. You are lucky you get to meet friends and family who loves your Ampa very much, we are thankful they are are finding time to see him…it means so much to both Ampa and Lala. See you..also, you better hide your Mack Truck, for sure Uncle Miguel and Wappy will ride on it. BTW, you look very handsome Ethan. Send our love to Ampa!
Hi Ethan,
Thank you for keeping us posted about your Ampa. Please give him lots of hugs and kisses from all us. I am also one of his friends from school and you may call me Tita Carol. Yup another one of them,Titas! I enjoy reading your journal and it warms my heart to read your experiences with your Ampa. What a great Ampa you have, Ethan! Thank you for taking care of him and making him very very happy! We know, because he tells us how much he loves you!
I will be visiting the Philippines and would like to bring back some treats. Does your Ampa have any favorite treat that you both enjoy? I would be very happy to bring you some and if you don’t like any of them, let me know what will make your hearts leap! Keep your Ampa warm and smiling! You may email me at c_nakai@surewest.net!
Lots of hugs from San Francisco!
Love your sharing, Ethan!
Carol
oops, Tita Carol
Hi Ethan…you are a handsome young man…you and Ampa sure look sharp! Yes you have a beautiful family and the traditions go waaaaaaaaaay back and should always be honored and followed this is very important to remember as you grow up …. always keep these in your mind and heart ….and you will continue to do goodness. That is what makes your family that much more special…the caring, love and honoring of their traditions. Especially the faithful acceptance of their blessings and gifts they have been given for which you are one. Take care of Ampa and keep him strong!
Bo, as a long time reader of your blog and fellow traveller on this hideous cancer journey, I wish for you peace. What a beautiful grandson who you will forever watch over.
Canada