”Twas full moon.
You insisted on being traditional and wanted to wear your yukata. And because I was worried your sleeves would pose a hazard, I decided not to hold a sparkler but hold the igniter instead, to light up your sparklers and then keep watch. It was good to see you ecstatic about our hanabi.
Apart from our shared dislike with peach, I learned recently that you have some traits that seemed to be a mirror of mine.
I bought you some new leggings and you pointed out that somebody-chan at daycare have a blouse with the same print as your leggings. I used to remember what somebody (at the office) wore at which day.
Then today, when you were playing with a branch and you called it えだ, I asked you what is it in English. You tilted your head sideways and said, “it starts with a “b””. This had me laughing right out loud because that’s what I do when I forget words. I often remember what letter it starts with, what letter it ends with, and how many letters are there on that word but I-could-not-remember the actual word. How weird is that?!?
You are my daughter alright.
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.
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.
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.
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.