My Younger Years

I was born in 1976. Eldest of two. I only have one brother who is now 21 years old. Yes, we have almost 10 years gap. I could vividly remember how eager my parents were to have a second child. Oh well, that’s another story!

So you see, being the only child for almost 10 years, and having a father working abroad (KSA), do you imagine the “luho/s” I was getting? But I have to work for that. If I wanted something, I have to save from my school pocket money. Otherwise, I won’t get it easily, unless I excel in school. I’ve always did! The thought of getting a reward (as a child) is really challenging.

My father comes for a month vacation every after 6 months. I remember having Sanrio and Barbie stuff. I had like 3 game and watch. I had view master. I had atari (it was an older-similar version of a PS.) I had almost all the things a kid could wish for.

We would always celebrate my birthdays at the beach. I even had a big celebration for my 18th birthday. But I could say my parents were not spoilers. They just give anything that would make me happy.

I also had these punishment days where I used to sit in the corners of the house. Or facing the walls. But this one is really stuck on my mind….

I was 7 at that time. My father was home for his vacation. As a child, I had this problem attitude when it comes to food. I only like to eat junkfood. Knowing my father… he’s very particular with it. Mommy packed my “Snoopy” lunchbox. There was a hamburger, orange juice and a Chippy. I came home from school with the same lunchbox but without the Chippy, just the Chippy. Unfortunately, it was my dad who checked my lunchbox. Pffffft! As expected, I was punished. No food for the whole afternoon. I was locked from the outside bedroom door. All alone… crying for hunger. And there was my mom to the rescue at 6pm. I heard steps coming to the bedroom, slowly unlocking the door. She was holding a plate of noodles and a glass of juice with her and said “bilisan mo at baka mahuli tayo ng daddy mo, pareho tayong lagot”. When I remember that line and situation, I couldn’t help but to smile.

My dad isn’t bad. But dad’s rules are dad’s rules. Unlike my mom who sometimes does this “pagtatakip” especially for my brother. My dad had never beaten us, as I remember. He is more of this “usap ng masinsinan”. And when he does, it’ll just put you to tears.

Hmmmm…. I just love to reminisce my childhood memories.