Abugada. Filipina. Ina. Asawa. Lingkod-bayan.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Lenten Thoughts on Family


When I started planning for our Holy Week this year, I knew I wanted to spend it with family (hubby’s and mine).

 I don’t know when this “tradition” started in my head.  I do remember spending time with family every single Holy Week of my single life.  I remember days playing mah-jong, tong-its, pusoy dos, sungka, and other card games I no longer remember the rules to.  I remember the young-at-hearts telling us stories about Philippine mythological creatures and their alleged favourite day (Good Friday) to be out and about in the world of the living.  I remember being told not to take a bath after 3:00 p.m. because the “Lord is dead.”  I remember that we had to sit still and behave until Easter Sunday because if we nick or cut ourselves during Good Friday until Easter Sunday, our wounds won’t heal.

Growing up with an extended family under the same roof meant that Holy Week was rarely a time for reflection unless you shut yourself up in your room (might as well clean it up while you’re at it.)  But there will be no real “peaceful” time alone because of the ruckus and wild antics of siblings and Titos and Titas, and Lolos and Lolas who will either call on you to do some chores or just pester you with loving banter.  Looking back, those crazy noisy and busy days were, in a way, a good way to reflect on what is really important then and now—FAMILY.

We ended up spending our first Black Saturday and Easter Sunday, as a Hapi Family, with both our families.  I am thankful for the opportunity to share laughter, life and lovelife updates, chismis, and serious talks.  It is only during these times when we sometimes realize how much we have missed each other.   Happy Easter, everyone!  Here’s to more time with family for the rest of the year.

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