Changes

I called home last weekend, like most of OFWs usually do.

Mom told me that dad finally bought the house that they wanted to retire in. It was 250sqm big, with zen interiors, marble flooring, a nice garden, with a bath tub at the Master's T&B. The neighborhood is nice, and the subdivision is safe. Houses around the area are elegantly built.

I got so excited to finally see it. I was even telling mom that it is near the airport so whenever they pick me up, the travel time won't be too long. I can do my gardening. The kitchen will be just nice for my cooking and baking.

But after the phone call, I realized that it won't be OUR home. It will be THEIR home. Just for the two of them--the place they want to spend the rest of their lives with. Not with me. Not with my two other sisters.  I got a place in Caloocan, and might probably live there once I get tired of living in a foreign country. My sister got a condo in Mandaluyong and might live with my nephew since it will be near his school. My youngest sister might inherit the place in San Mateo which my mom and dad bought since we were young.

And that house, my childhood home who took care of me since I was born will soon be just a memory. It was that home which witnessed our growing years, our happy times and even sad ones. The laughters that echo in that little house will only be reminiscent of my younger years. I have yet to say goodbye to every nook of it. I am praying that I will have the privilege of seeing it for one more time.

Growing is tough. Accepting changes are tougher because it makes a person more attuned to reality.

Now that my sisters and I are all grown up, with different careers and responsibilities to take on, my mom and dad can finally think about themselves. After all these years of toiling for our good education and ample food on our table, they truly deserve a life that we took from them when they were still lovers.

It will take a lot of getting used to with these changes. Oh well. My parents are assured that they have my blessings. They can finally "settle down."