22 years, 3 months, a couple of days of existence, and I have only one answer to one of the most asked questions of all time: I don’t know what love is. Some say it’s an endless flow of happiness, at times it’s viewed to cause devastation, others say it’s a choice, while some others say it can’t survive without God’s grace. I have my own ideas about it. Though to me, it never really is just one or the other. But, if a situation forces me to come up with an answer while I still haven’t found someone to live the “rest of my days with” yet, I’m pretty sure I’ll only have this to say: My parents.
… which is something I rarely understand. Lol. They have countless differences, most of which figuratively put them on opposite ends of any place, situation, or condition. And upon observation, they both do things that put the other constantly on edge. To top it all off, besides their marriage contract and their children, son-in-law, and grandchild, there are only three dominant things I see common in them: 1) academics, 2) same level of crazy, and 3) God. Yet, they are the happiest, most in-love couple I know. Not the cheesy type. Just y’know, genuinely in love.
My parents just celebrated their 34th anniversary, and everyone was home for the heaviest Sunday brunch I’ve ever had. Lol.
“It was a cold breezy day, the sun was up and there was little rain,” my dad said when he was describing their wedding day. Mom agreed with him, saying that it was a sign of God’s showering of blessings. Of course we children, who were at the back seats of our family car, could not relate to their moment of reminiscing and just went about joking Filipino tikbalangs.
But even though we were kidding around, we all had a gut feel that in that particular moment, they shared something truly special. A memory that is their own, compared to the rest of their years full of baby bottles and diapers, angsty teenage dealings, and college academe worries that basically came from us five kids. Nevertheless, I have an inkling that their years with all of us are just as special, and gave more meaning to that fateful day they decided and vowed to be together for the rest of their lives. There really is no other way of looking at it. Ha ha!
34 years ago, they exchanged vows of “I do’s”. Though I personally think, deep inside, it went more of something like this, “Okay Bing, I’m willing to take in whatever annoying humor you got in you. Just as long as you listen to every single thing I have to say, even if I come off as a little repetitive and overly enthusiastic about everything I do,” for my mom. And for my dad, a little something like this, “Gotcha Nimfa, I will think you’re cute every time you get impatient with me or our kids. And I will sing to you my songs, every time you get mad at me for anything. Just as long as you’ll raise our kids with me. I want many, by the way.” After the exchange, they’d nod to each other, nod at the crucifix behind the altar, and then they’d shake hands. Lol.
Now look where THAT got us.
5 kids with unique personalities, quirks, interests, and what-not; all of which possess specific characteristics that came from either of them two. One is already married and has her own beautiful family.
34 years IS a long time, and with the look of things, there are so many more years to look forward to. Our simple celebration of our parents’ anniversary was full of joy and contentment. I know I’m only speaking in behalf of my siblings, but I’m sure we’re all very grateful to these two who brought all of us into the world and in some way, were the first people to ever show us what it is to be loved. There are times when I strongly feel that in spite the changes and challenges they both faced in their lives, they still remain to be the same old college people they once were when they first met. Feet on the ground, hand in hand, but always looking forward and beyond what is material in this world.
I suppose there really is no understanding something as phenomenal as a miracle of love. There are only proofs of its existence in our reality, and my parents are such. There is no explanation that would suffice one’s curiosity on how it begins, how it evolves, and how it lasts. It is only needed to be accepted, to be grateful for, and to be cherished.
“You have taught me how to feel
What is false and what is real
of all the things I ever wanna do
I think I’ll start and end with loving you”
We’re very lucky to have a constant supply of fresh vegetables and herbs straight from the farm or from right across our lawn, where mom has been spending most of her time tending her recently developed herbal garden. The one above are fresh french string beans, which to my surprise, was so good in olive oil and garlic! Mom must’ve been so proud I put some on my pasta — I ate them don’t worry lol.
I would tell you what my brother put in there had I taken down notes. But I’m certain there were capers and olives in it, since I dreaded the capers. Ha ha. The sauce was delish though. He DEFINITELY nailed it! (Note: first time I did not overcook the pasta noodles! Al dente, mmhm! Somebody should hand me a medal for this. Seriously)
Mom and dad, the cutest couple I know. Especially when they’re half tipsy with wine. ;)
After dinner, my older brother, older sister, and I kicked it just like old times. My brother’s voice section is bass, my sister the soprano, and I the alto. The three of us belong in the same choir so it has always been handy to review our voice parts with each other, almost completing the vocal arrangement of a piece. :) (Click here to listen to the piece performed by the Philippine Madrigal Singers)
It’s been a while since I last saw my dad that relaxed — don’t get deceived by his permanent scowl ha ha. He kept asking us to sing and when we did, he listened to us intently even though we were unsure of some of our parts.
