Airplane

 

I woke up to the sound of the alarm clock going off. Groaning, I rolled over the bed and could not find you. I hastily got up, stride down the stairs and the first thing I saw was your back. It was evident that you were busy cooking in the kitchen. I hugged you tightly as if it were our last moments together. Christmas is coming and I can feel the chilly weather in this hot country. You told me tales during the winter when you were in Hong Kong. You said a layer of clothes is a must, plus a thick padded jacket on top. You spoke as if you had spent half your life there. I continued to listen and savor the delicious food in front of me. You watch me carefully as I eat with gusto while you sip your favorite brewed coffee. You stared at me and said, "It’s been so long since I last saw you. You have grown so much." Those words choked me. I silenced my voice; I don’t want you to hear it. I don’t want to appear weak in front of the strongest person I have known.

 

After breakfast and our morning routines, you decide to go for a walk and attend a mass later. We went to watch movies like our ritual and then had a solemn time hanging out at the Coffee Bean, which was quite odd as you kept on glancing at your watch. I was in my last bite of the cake when you said, "You done? Let’s go and attend the last mass in Sto. Nino "I have always known you were religious, and I picked up that trait from you too. The busy street of Colon never fails to amaze me. You said it was your turf a long time ago, and I too, love hearing your stories and imagining what this street was like before it became developed into this. We took our time, slowly walking until we heard the bells. That’s when we hurriedly walked until we reached the gate. Fortunately, there were plenty of vacant seats on the second floor of the pilgrim center. The mass took an hour and a half to finish. We went to the candle area to light some candles, then you asked me, "What did you pray for? You took your time in praying back there, "I replied with a smile. I prayed to God that He would guide and protect you and may He continue showering you with his love and blessings. I don’t want to see you suffer anymore.

 

All of those memories passed by like bliss. Mom, the moment I woke up and went down, I knew it was only memories of seeing you cook. I can’t bear myself to see you part with me. That’s why I purposely slept early to miss seeing you off at the airport. I will miss your winter tales in Hong Kong, when you make snowballs with the children of your boss, wishing that I was there with you. I will miss your cooking, which is filled with love, and I can’t imagine other children will enjoy it more than me. I really don't want to cry in front of you thinking that you are leaving me again. I don’t want to be selfish since you have sacrificed a lot for me. You are the strongest person I have known.

 

I stand there, feeling the chilly wind again. You might have not raised me when I was young, but you are still my mom. I went out the house, and it was my habit to look up to the sky in times like this. I saw an airplane passing by, and as I always do, I waved at it, remembering you, Mom.