I was born and raised in Baguio City. In the late 1990s, my nurse Mama decided to resign from the highland company clinic she was with for the most part of her career. She had to "live life" as she would always say in she and Papa’s hometown in Pangasinan. Papa fully supported her in the decision.
Me at 3 or 4 (or 5). I remember even as a kid, it was really tough for me to leave Baguio City for good. Boating in the lake at Burham Park, the pines trees and flowers which to my kid-self never withered, my Cordilleran and Ilocano friends--they were everything to me. Baguio will always be.
Honestly, I find it lame that Mama considered it "life" giving up her career to be a full-time mother to me, my brother, and sister... but not until now. I can't believe this life I have been living for almost 3 years now--as a career man, the way I found it ideal then--has made me somewhat give up life with Mama, the family, friends, and loved ones I left up north and even elsewhere, these people who I have been failing to keep in touch with for quite some time. Sorry. I do miss you so much!
Also, I'd like to take my hat off to individuals like my OFW Papa who, for years, have been having perseverance at work and courage amid solitude for passion and commitment to provide for the needs of loved ones. Salute!