Monday, April 26, 2010

Alicia

After trying to resusitate her twice, her son said no more.. but right when they stopped her heartbeat came back. It came back just as all seven of her sisters arrived. It was if she knew they were on their way and she wanted to say good bye before she left. Her body could no longer move, but her heart beat grew faster on the monitor as the voices got louder. Still, they all knew it was too late. Her body had already given in to the infection. Only her eyes remained slightly opened. Days before she told them that her mama and papa were at foot of her bed but not her late husband who she was always missing. She was also looking for her new shoes telling them she had to go out. It was just a matter of time. The spirits of her mother and father were there waiting to bring her to the other side. So they reassured her that it was okay and that she could go. You don't have to stay, go be with them. We love you and will miss you so much they said as their hearts broke deep inside. And just then, tears began streaming from her eyes. She became sad... and aware... that they were right. She too, would miss us terribly. They all cried now weeping for themselves and for what was to come. After a few more minutes the monitor flatlined. They say your hearing is the last thing to go. Lucky for us.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

kiput hike

When we visit my mom's provincial hometown, we always have a big lunch and eat with our hands off big banana leaves at the farm. The farm was developed on the land my mom and her siblings inherited from my grandfather. He loved to hike this land. When we were young, he would lead all of us down to the river for swimming and eventually a bath at the end. Good times. These days, we all hike down to an area called the kiput were there is a narrow but deep stream. I love this hike. It's so green and lush. My aunt added steps to the path so that the elders could get down to the quiput too.

Philippines 2010

Just got back from a 10 day trip to the Philippines. Caught some spectacular views. The last mystic photo is from the airplane window over Incheon Airport in Seoul.