Yvaine

The day you were born, your Papa Allan was with me somewhere because I had to receive a 'pin' for finishing a series of leadership programs related to work. Your Papa was there with me to take pictures, and when he told me Mommy Roxanne was in labor already, I told him to leave me with my friends, and go to the hospital. Papa did not leave me, he stayed, and told me he will be there in time to see you take your first peek of this world's light. So he stayed on with me, and with a sophisticated camera, took the most terrible pictures of me, and the ceremony.

From then on, it was you, who became our light. Our family always loved children, and you, coming into our lives was more than just a treat, it was a blessing. Still is. Many reasons, for that, my love: your skin is so white, in a family of dark-skinned humans; your lips so red drawn into that lovely little face, with those beautiful, big, brown eyes. It is a bonus that even when you were small, you were already smart, you spoke like you were an adult. You were everyone's baby, bringing out the smile and laughter from all of us, even from Lolo Bong! Now let me tell you my love, anyone who can make Lolo Bong cackle is special. Not everyone is privileged to get a smile from the man. 

You have grown into a young, little lady, still smart but most of all with a good heart. I know that for sure. I gifted you and your sister coin banks New Year's Day, and you went to all the adults to ask for coins. I saw that you had plenty in an hour or so, and I asked you what you wanted to buy with the money when the bank is full. You replied: 'Anong gusto ninyo?'. That reply, my love? I melted for that. You thought of everyone, not just of yourself. From that moment, I knew, and I am certain, that your heart is in the right place.

I write this today while Tito Aidan is in the hospital, sick with this wretched virus. He has been there for a week now and Lolo Bong and Lola Christianne are both tired, not just physically. Your Tita Ana is at work in Baguio worried sick and rearing to come home. It is during these times that we cling to faith. And hope. I think of you today, on your birthday, and I am overwhelmed with hope. You came into our lives in the midst of frustrations and difficulties, of happiness, too. God has been good to our family despite of. But you, my love, are the light which leads us more to believe in the goodness of God, of that 'pot of gold' at the end of each rainbow, the hope that the best days of all our lives is yet to come. 

Happy Birthday, sunshine! I look forward to more years of your light. We love you with all our hearts. 

Rox Castillejos