A close-knit family
By creye on Jun 19, 2008 in Family Matters
When I was a kid, there were people that I was envious with. The dad of one of my playmates was working abroad and almost every month, there was a balikbayan package from abroad. Naturally, I was envious with the new toys. I came from a middle class family but my parents did not buy us toys unless there was an occasion. I loved playing game n’ watch before but since I was just borrowing it from my playmate, I could only play for a limited time. I was secretly wishing that my dad work abroad as well so I could ask for similar toys. My playmates had swing sets and doll sets and the joystick. I kept wishing I had those as well.
You know what, I got my wish. My dad worked in Saudi Arabia for a period of time when I was in high school already. Maybe because I already knew better but I regretted praying for it. I never wanted my dad away from us. You see, we were and still is a close-knit family. We are used to eating together, being inside the house before midnight, watching tv together, going to the mall together. I never appreciated the fact that our family is complete when I was a kid. Until my dad worked abroad. That’s the time I felt that all the material things combined can never atone for the fact that a parent is missing.
My dad worked abroad for almost two years. And within those time, I never asked for anything but for him to take care of himself and to go home soon. All the toys and other things were forgotten. I did not even asked for money from him. I even volunteered to work part-time at a fastfood chain just to make my dad go home.
All the material things are nothing compared to the presence of both parents in the house. Yes, there are sacrifices to be made. I know as much. I have friends who are working abroad for their family. I know parents of friends who are still abroad working. But this is my opinion and from the point of view of a child. If it will work out, it still is better to stay together.
I pray that all families who have a parent or both parents working abroad will soon be together again.
vikki | Jun 20, 2008 | Reply
awwww… this is a nice article. However, I can’t really relate to this post. I didn’t really like my dad so there you go.
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nONA | Jun 22, 2008 | Reply
ooh…touchy post adie, I like it. *sniffles a bit* ‘coz I miss my own daddy. Agree, no material thing could replace such happiness having a happy family together.
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