I woke up so early the next morning so excited for today's event. I know it's supposedly a typical visit but I was just extremely happy to be able to see them. I've got 2 more hours before going to the church so I head to grocery first, bought some cookies and chips and some goodies as quick as I could and then went to toy store and bought some stuffs as a surprise for them. And now, my car is loaded with stuffs that i'll be giving away. Nakaka excite!
"Elmo, you made it!" Father Rey flashed a smile upon seeing me.
"Good morning, Father. Yes, I told you im coming today. Tara na po! Naeexcite na ako," I told him as he chuckled.
"Tara!" He drove first as I stay behind him following his track since I really dont know where the place is located.
It's like an hour and thirty minutes drive. Medjo malayo din. And the road was rough.
He stopped infront of a nipa hut and went down the car. I parked near him and went out my car as well. There was a lady came and greeted Father.
"Mely, hi. Magandang umaga sayo," narinig kong bati ni Father. I waved hi and Father motioned me to come closer.
"Eto nga pala si Elmo. Elmo, si Mely. Siya yung nagrereport sa akin tungkol sa mga bata na nandito," Father told me and i waved hi to Mely again.
"Asan pala yung mga bata?"
"Andito po sila naglalaro," Mely answered and then all of a sudden, a huge number of kids showed up and hugged Father Rey. Some even kiss Him on the cheeks, both left and right. Woooow. Father hugged them all. I can see happiness on his face. I came to my senses and thought of my camera. I slid the sling on my neck and then turned it on and start taking pictures of them. Zoom in, zoom out, happiness is written all over their faces.
"Elmo, halika dito!" Father called and I run towards them. They were afraid when they first saw me but when I started telling stories about birds and some animals, their mood changed and sat infront and next to me. Some hugged me and some gave me kisses on the cheeks as well. Wooooow, this feels great. Pure happiness.
"Elmo, akin na yang camera mo, pipicture-an kita. Pipicture-an ko kayo," Father offered himself to take me a photo with the kids. Without a word, I immediately gave him my camera and continue sharing stories to them.
Ang saya. Ibang iba sa feeling yung nakangiti sila sayo habang nakikinig. Though im not really sure kung nagkakaintindihan kaming lahat.
I was busy sharing stories when i heard Father Rey stood behind me and whispered, "Elmo, mag-a-alas sais na, kailangan na naging umuwi."
"Po?" was all I answered. Time really ticks so fast.
"Kailangan na nating umuwi," He repeated. Nalungkot ako. Tumingin ako sa kanila. Nalungkot yung iba, nakangiti yung iba sabay sabi na, "Okay lang po yun Kuya Elmo. Gabi na po, balik na lang po ulet kayo pag may oras po kayo."
I smiled at them sadly.
"Pero bago ako umalis, may ibibigay ako sa inyo!" i told them excitedly and all of their faces lit up. They followed me to my car and then I gave the stuffs I got them. There was a rain of camera flashes once again. I smiled and looked at Father who was taking pictures. After which they gave me a warm hugs and long kiss on both cheeks and without my notice, there were tears formed in the corner of my eyes.
Telling them goodbye was definitely easy but the feeling was very heavy because I dont even know when to come back, but one thing is for sure..
"Babalikan ko kayo, pangako yan," i whispered to myself as I drove away.
It was 7 in the evening when we arrived in the city and Father asked me to go for a dinner. I didnt say no at all.
"Moe, salamat sa araw na ito," He started.
"Wala po yun. Ako nga dapat ang magpasalamat sa inyo Father eh. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam makakita ng mga masasayang mukha ng mga inosenteng bata sa mundo," i spoke as i let my mind remembers what happened earlier today.
Father smiled and then sighed.
"Ikaw, bumalik ka na din sa mundo mo," what He said to me was really astonishing.
"Po?"
"Elmo, i dont know you personally pero nararamdaman kong.... Kailangan mo ng bumalik sa mundong nakasanayan mo. Hindi dito ang mundo mo, hindi ito."
"Father, hindi ko po kayo maintindihan," i answered and i felt my heart races.
He smiled at me, "Punong puno ng kalungkutan yang puso mo, nararamdaman ko. At ang layo na ng narating mo. Akala mo nadala mo yang puso mo kasama mo, pero nagkakamali ka," he continued.
Silence fell over.
I took my time analyzing and realizing Father Rey's words. Maybe he's right. Maybe not. But I feel so fine. I was happy. This journey has been amazingly colorful. But I cant go on like this forever.
"Father, I know I cant go on like this forever but I cant go back to my old world," I confessed.
"Son, you can always go back. True that you cant bring back the past or something but there's always this chance called "tomorrow" for a new beginning and create another set of memories," and then He smiled widely at me.
"Father, siguro tama ka. Pero kailangan ko ng sign. Hindi ako makakabalik sa mundong nakasanayan kong galawan ng basta basta," I looked at my fingers and saw OUR wedding ring.
I looked at him and he met my gaze.
"What sign are you talking about, Elmo?" His eyes on my ring finger. I cant describe his expression but his smile and eyes go together composing a very happy look.
I shook my head as we began eating dinner. Today was incredible. Today was surely a day to remember.
:)
