A Beautiful Past to Cherish

I consider myself lucky to have been born into a loving and closely knit family. The words of our late parents, Papa Inting and Mama Pining, still ring in my mind to this day: “Come what may, you take care of each other.” From that parental instruction, we three siblings have learned to stand as one. Of course, the unity of the family is very important.

Ours was a family of meager means, but we had so much love. We were always guided by the wisdom of Papa Inting, and nurtured with care by Mama Pining, who would always remind us boys, Eddie and me, to look after Inday Sering, our sister. How loving were Mama’s words: “Ayaw ninyo talikdi si Inday Sering.”

Such solid family foundation didn’t just happen. It developed through the good examples and constant reminders by our parents. They set the sails towards the righteous direction they wanted their children to go.

As small children we would hurry to be home by six in the evening. We would gather at the small family altar to pray the Angelus. We kids would take turns in leading the prayer, after which the whole family would proceed to dinner.

While sharing the evening meal, all of us would exchange stories. Our parents would want to know from each of us children what transpired during our day. In return, they would give us their parental advice, to make us better understand our day-to-day experiences and highlight the lessons to learn from these.

Looking back, it was a very secure condition to grow in. We simply had to obey our parents, because they had more life experience and, thus, knew better. And we learned, because they told us the “whys” and “hows” of living, in little chunks just enough for our young minds to digest.

Reminiscing that time of my life never fails to warm my heart. I smile remembering what a good storyteller Papa Inting was in narrating to us some inspiring, and at times funny, experiences from his own young life. I can only wish that such kind of home environment is kept alive by families today.

The parents shall take the lead, of course. And, for their part, the children need only follow a simple equation: Papa + Mama + I Love You = Family. With that, nothing can go wrong.