Rey And Jasmin
They were seated near us in church, Rey, Jasmin, Rem and his wife. I honestly do not know how to address them properly, Ninong?, Ninang?. They are our godparents on our wedding, as they are the closest non-politicians my parents had as friends when Papa was no longer Mayor in Caba. They are both young, Rey and Jasmin, and to my mind, they are also our friends more than our godparents.
Perhaps because All Souls’ Day is approaching, or Papa’s death anniversary is on the 19th of November, but I felt so sentimental when I saw them. I have not seen Ninang Jasmin in ages although Ninong Rey, I meet once in a while, only exchanging pleasantries. They are the couple from whom I learned much, about kindness and friendships.
I remember Mama and Ninang Jasmin started to be friends only by chance, through BHF (Balingit Home Furnishings) the business that this young couple established way back here in La Union. Then they became close; Mama found a confidante and a friend not in any way connected to the world of politics. So, the relationship that they had extended to us, the members of their respective families.
Ninong Rey and Ninang Jasmin are two people whose hearts are in the right places. Our relationships grew at a time when our family was at a rock-bottom, and to them, that did not matter. They extended their hands in friendship, and helped us through the most difficult times. When Papa was confined at Lung Center in Quezon City, the volunteered their van for our use, as long as necessary, so that we would not be inconvenienced while in the hospital. They helped with the bills, even if they were unsure as to where we would get the money to pay them back. I recall many more instances about their generosity but the list would be so long.
I told Ninong Rey this morning when we approached them after mass that I suddenly felt like crying, because I recalled those times when they were there for us when almost no one wanted anything to do with us; that I still feel the overwhelming gratitude in my heart for their presence in the most trying times; and that I have not forgotten. His reply made me respect him more: ‘Ikaw naman, wala namang nakakaalam nun, tayo lang.’
I wanted to weep, I wanted to hug both of them, I wanted to tell Ninang Jasmin about all that has happened to us siblings the past years. (I started to tell stories as fast as I could which prompted her to say: ‘ para kang nagrereport’, she said with a smile.) But there was no time. I am sure there will be time in the future to tell these stories to them, and their children, who have grown up to be adults I could not believe Rem already has a baby. He was just all over the pawnshop counter at BHF as a toddler years back.
We met in church, certainly by the grace of God. Today is a meaningful day for me. Not only because I got to see a family who has been and will always be part of our lives, but because their presence this morning gave me the chance to feel Papa’s and Mama’s, as well.
Perhaps because All Souls’ Day is approaching, or Papa’s death anniversary is on the 19th of November, but I felt so sentimental when I saw them. I have not seen Ninang Jasmin in ages although Ninong Rey, I meet once in a while, only exchanging pleasantries. They are the couple from whom I learned much, about kindness and friendships.
I remember Mama and Ninang Jasmin started to be friends only by chance, through BHF (Balingit Home Furnishings) the business that this young couple established way back here in La Union. Then they became close; Mama found a confidante and a friend not in any way connected to the world of politics. So, the relationship that they had extended to us, the members of their respective families.
Ninong Rey and Ninang Jasmin are two people whose hearts are in the right places. Our relationships grew at a time when our family was at a rock-bottom, and to them, that did not matter. They extended their hands in friendship, and helped us through the most difficult times. When Papa was confined at Lung Center in Quezon City, the volunteered their van for our use, as long as necessary, so that we would not be inconvenienced while in the hospital. They helped with the bills, even if they were unsure as to where we would get the money to pay them back. I recall many more instances about their generosity but the list would be so long.
I told Ninong Rey this morning when we approached them after mass that I suddenly felt like crying, because I recalled those times when they were there for us when almost no one wanted anything to do with us; that I still feel the overwhelming gratitude in my heart for their presence in the most trying times; and that I have not forgotten. His reply made me respect him more: ‘Ikaw naman, wala namang nakakaalam nun, tayo lang.’
I wanted to weep, I wanted to hug both of them, I wanted to tell Ninang Jasmin about all that has happened to us siblings the past years. (I started to tell stories as fast as I could which prompted her to say: ‘ para kang nagrereport’, she said with a smile.) But there was no time. I am sure there will be time in the future to tell these stories to them, and their children, who have grown up to be adults I could not believe Rem already has a baby. He was just all over the pawnshop counter at BHF as a toddler years back.
We met in church, certainly by the grace of God. Today is a meaningful day for me. Not only because I got to see a family who has been and will always be part of our lives, but because their presence this morning gave me the chance to feel Papa’s and Mama’s, as well.
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