When I turned 25 this year, I was really hoping and praying that I would meet my maternal Lolo. Growing up as a child, I never thought that the one I knew as "Papang" was not my maternal lolo. Not that Papang did not loved us as his own grandchildren, but when I realized that I have a different middle name from that of my cousins and I understood that I have a different lolo from them, I really longed for the day that I would meet my Lolo.
It was 2010 that I got a chance to see my mom's paternal sisters over Facebook. I added them as friend and introduced who I am. I was so excited that I was already planning to go to Cagayan de Oro December of that year, canvassing plane fare and all. Little did I know that God has really a plan.
July of this year, cfC-GK Misamis Oriental will celebrate it's anniversary, and they have invited members from other provinces...and lucky enough, my parents are part of the delegation plus they got to bring me with them. And God is truly amazing. The day we stepped CDO, I was so excited because I knew I will be seeing my Lolo, though at that time it was uncertain still.
During our first night, we only got to meet my mom's sister, lolo is out of town that time, but she assured us she would find a way for us to meet Lolo. And the following morning she sent a message to my mom to meet at 10am, she will have with her Lolo...wow...I am still shocked...I have mixed emotions--the longing, the excitement, even apprehension.
And finally, I got to meet my Lolo--but, he rather wished to be addressed as Tatay...I know that it is JOY that I feel when I got to hold his hand and to embrace and kiss him. And I am more happy for my mother whom for more than 30years was away from him and was not able to communicate with them. They were able to patch up what was misunderstood that time.
Tatay and Mama
I know this is the happiest moment for my mother, and it is as well for me. I always have wanted to at least make my mother happy, after all the sacrifices she made for me and my brother. Lolo, or shall I say Tatay, stayed with us till way past 3pm, that span of time just talking and being with him is immeasurable, i could not even put words to how I feel during that time. But before we parted, I only have said what i really wanted to say to tatay, "Dugay na gid nakon gihandom na makita ka tay."
Mama, Papa and Me with Tatay
And this is the day I met my Lolo for the first time, hopefully by next year, I will be able to bring my brother to CDO as well for him to meet our Lolo.
Lolo and Me before they brought us back to our hotel.
