Today’s sky was just so beautiful I was dazzled as I was walking hurriedly from the office to pick up Yui.
The photos I took from my iPhone just couldn’t quite capture the beauty.
Below are unedited, yes.
baby diaries: mighty proud of you
When I picked you up this evening at daycare, there was only you and a younger boy left in your teachers’ care. That’s quite an improvement since the whole week, I was late in picking you up and you were the only one left. But I digress.
We were getting ready to leave and about to go down the ground floor when the Mom of the younger boy came; carrying her second born on her right arm, and holding daycare bags on the other arm. I recognised she was loaded and I commiserated since I perfectly know the feeling. However, the idea of helping her absolutely did not cross my mind.
When you saw her shuffling nearer, you ran to the door and opened the door for her so she can pick up her other kid.
Ah, I-am-so-proud of you our little one.
baby diaries: Remember Me
Coco debuted in Japan almost six months late. But I’d say that for us, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
We watched it a week after we bought your first guitar; guitar which have been designed after Hector’s guitar in the movie. We watched it the day after we said our last goodbyes to Hiojiichan. And I could only guess that it was because of Hiojiichan that you cried during the touching scenes of the movie. At first you tried to resist; at one point I could see you frowning, fighting the tears. But eventually, you couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. And even as my own tears were streaming down my cheeks, you were using my sleeves to wipe your own tears. Very endearing. Of course I’m writing this down to remind us that Coco was the first ever movie that made you really cry like an adult would while watching the movie; and you’re just five (and half); while the movie itself has a deep meaning.
And oh yes, you led the first prayer to Hiojiichan this evening. It was your first time to hold the prayer booklet much less read it and chant but they allowed you to lead and you more than delivered; well, except for the times you laugh out loud whenever you read “Yui” (altogether different kanji and meaning from your name). Hiobaachan and your grandparents were all praises for you; impressed that you could lead the chant and properly read the text which even for adults is a bit difficult. Everyone is pretty sure that you made Hiojiichan very happy. Good job, my baby.
farewell, Tatay Jaime
One very unfortunate coincidence. That my family in the Philippines are also experiencing grief at the same time that my family in Japan have. But what is more unfortunate though is that you passed away with a broken heart. I’m sorry I couldn’t do anything about it. At least now though, there’s no more pain for you. And I hope and pray your kids, my cousins, will one day visit you.
Rest in peace Tatay Jaime. Know that you are loved and will never be forgotten.
farewell, Hiojiichan
It was a short seven and half years compared to your 95; not enough to get to know each other deeply especially since we live in separate regions and we have the language barrier to be scaled. But it was more than enough time for me to grow very very fond of you.
In these two days, whenever we go over to you and look at your peaceful face, the words that comes foremost in my mind are “thank you”. Thank you. I am so glad I was able to express my heart to you and Hiobaachan last year; about how thankful I am to the both of you. But I wish, I could have said it in person, look at your round eyes that so reminds me of Atsushi. Nevertheless, there’s no sense now to regret. What I can do now is to live my life fully, as I know you have lived yours.
I will never forget. You will always be in our hearts. Thank you. Rest in peace, enjoy heaven; Hiojiichan.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Daycare Year 5
We’re here. Finally you’re in the oldest class in daycare; たいよう組. Years from now, you’ll understand what an emotional point this is for me. Was able to talk to Hitonari’s Mom today and we were talking how now your class is the eldest when it seemed like it was only yesterday that you were crawling around, the youngest in the school.
It was almost symbolic actually because for the first time, you chose what to wear for today and prepared it the night before. I didn’t have to make you hurry too. In fact, you dragged me to walk faster. How much you’ve grown. And for that matter I was surprised the spring pants you’re wearing was already inches short on you when it was still a little bit long when you wore it last in autumn.
This year will be busy as we will be preparing for when you enter elementary school. But as I keep on saying, let’s enjoy the present; live the present.
Grow well, Anak. Love. Laugh. God bless you.
PS (March 30)
I learned today that your head teacher last year (my favourite!) is also your head teacher this year. I’m totally ecstatic. We owe it to her that you could seamlessly read your hiragana and katakana really fast. And you could write too!
And since this year will be full packed with activities and preparations, I am truly thankful she’s your head teacher. In hindsight though, I think the school staff thought it best that she still be your class’ head sensei because they can see our rapport. I probably am difficult to handle for them…and somehow, her level of strictness coincides with mine. Hence, I’m thankful and excited!