(Photo by the mister: J. Divinagracia . Winter 2009)
Yesterday was the boy's 18th birthday. I couldn't believe my little boy is an adult now.
Our family celebration will be on Sunday. It was supposed to be today, but it's snowing. So we moved the date the next day. We'll go to Washington DC for lunch so the young lady could join us.
Last night, for dinner, I just ordered take out at Viet Gourmet. We had Orange Chicken because it's the boy's favorite; Crispy Noodles with vegetable topping; and Crispy Spring Rolls.
After dinner, and had him blow his candles on his birthday cheesecake, we gave him his gift. It was what he really wanted and needed this year --- a new cellphone.
"Unsa man imong isulti, 'doy?" (What will you say, boy?), I asked him.
"Thank you, Ma. Thank you, Pa."
"Nganong iningles man?" (Why is it in English?)
"Oh! Salamat, Ma. Salamat pod, Pa!" (Oh! Thank you, Ma. Thank you too, Pa!)
"Salamat sa unsa?" (Thank you for what?)
I always remind my children to be specific, like what he's thankful for.
"Salamat Mama ug Papa for giving me life!"
Oh! I choked up a little with his answer. I was expecting him to be thankful for his new cellphone, and dinner maybe.
*I got up, and got a tissue, then dried up my eyes.
