markoyulores

[markoyulores]

Reunited with my mother after a long time

My mother flew abroad in 2010 to find work so that we could meet our basic needs. We didn't have as much communication because smartphones weren't available at the time. My grandmother told us in 2013 that there was a new app where we could call our mothers. So we downloaded the viber app and she gave us our mother's phone number. Then we tried calling it, but it rang three times and no one answered. For the fourth time, a woman answered the phone, and it was my mother! We were overjoyed. We talked until late at night. And then, in 2020, my mother informed us that she will return to the Philippines, specifically to Manila, and that she would like us to accompany her. While our uncle was processing our ticket, we quickly packed our belongings. So our mother was waiting for us at the airport. I was nervous and trembling, afraid she wouldn't remember us. But as soon as I saw her, she waved and ran towards us. We wrapped our arms around her. While we hug, I can hear her crying. She expressed how much she missed us. Then I said, "Finally, after ten years." We then ate at a restaurant. She still has our hands in hers and won't let go. . She took us to the mall the next day and bought us shoes, clothes, and whatever else we wanted. We ate at places that served unli food. It was almost as if we were filming a mukbang video. She even purchased my favorite donut. Then she had a surprise for us that night. It was encased in a brick-like box. When we first opened it. We were so excited because it was a new iPhone that we took a picture right away and posted it on my Facebook. The next day, we went to see our relatives in Pampangan and Cavite. We barely spoke because we were afraid that they would laugh at us because of our tagalog accent. So we remained silent but responded when they asked us questions. Another day has passed, and we've decided to visit our relatives at the beach. It was enjoyable; it felt like a small family reunion. We spent the day interacting with our cousins, who are the same age as me, and it was a fun day. The next day, we took a break and stayed at home for two days to relax and plan what we would do and where we would go next. So I asked if we could go to Taguig and go thrifting, and they said yes because they wanted to see something there as well, so we went there and started thrifting, but I was having second thoughts about buying those clothes because they were expensive. So I went shopping for clothes and didn't realize the moon had already risen. So we quickly pay our bills and leave because my mother wishes to visit the famous donut shop. After that, we went home and had a small celebration because we wanted to, and we had neighbors come over and join us. Even though we were exhausted from thrifting all day, it was a lot of fun. My mother asked our relatives to assist her in preparing foods the following day because she was having a house blessing in the afternoon. It was wonderful to see my cousins again, and they assisted us in preparing meals. It was difficult to communicate with them because all we knew was ilonggo, bisaya, and a little tagalog. My sister and I would respond in short sentences without explaining why. But they understand and continue to crack jokes and tell us stories. After the priest has left. We took shots of alcoholic beverages and snacks upstairs so we could talk and play. It felt like a get-to-know-you session with a stranger who spoke a different language. The day is almost over, and we've already decided to go to Batangas for a day or two. So we pack our belongings and leave. Then it was time to leave Manila and return to Midsayap. I'm still sad when I think about it. My mother drove us to the airport. We hugged Tighlty and kissed her forehead, saying, "I will really miss you mom," and I cried, thinking, "What if we see each other again after how many years?". As we walk away from her, I can see the sadness in my mother's eyes. It was heartbreaking to see her cry like that.