The Lure of the Old

I did not grow up rich, but I would surely trade my life now, with whatever I have, just to have my old life back.

I spent my childhood in a quiet and small town somewhere in Zamboanga del Sur, particularly in Kawit dist. Pagadian City.  (The town's name might be familiar to you, it is where the recent and the biggest investment scam  in the history of the Philippines happened, the Aman Futures Group.)

It was where I experienced  the simple life. I remember clearly our first nipa hut-and-bamboo house that my father designed and built. I still remember the creaks and sounds it made whenever my father and brothers played indoor basketball. I grew up thinking that its normal that houses shakes a little bit one way or the other.

For sure, money was tight at that time but we made do with what we had. I would often request my favorite food "ginisang ginamos" (sauteed salted anchovies)not knowing that that food meant that we were running out of money.

You might say growing up that way makes me resent my past, but no, I love my past and, as a matter of fact, one of my life goals  includes building, recreating and living in a house that looks exactly like our old house somewhere in the province, plus huge garden full of plants, crops and veggies!

Our Old House.  (L-R) My Papa (stooping down),  Lola, cousin, me, Mama (behind me) and Kuya.




(As my reader grows, picture of my father was erased for privacy sake)

Gosh, looking at the picture above made me teary-eyed! I miss my Papa so much that I'll give up my life just to have him back. If time machine would be invented, I'd work my butt off just to buy one!

 I miss you so much, Pa! It's been over 18 years and I still can't get over your death. I still shed tears for you. You are the only man I'd vowed to love forever. We would see each other again.

When I think about it, the more I am thankful because the memory of that little house in the province serves as my map as I find my route to happiness. It gives me  a warm feeling inside. It reminds me that my happiness is living simply with my family.

I treasure the memories I have back when my family was together despite not having a lot. This whole experience made me realize that I want a simple life, a life I once had with my father, a life of having more with less, a life with my family and a life I am trying to recapture.


Thus, the journey towards simple life has begun.