I
hopped off of the car feeling the humid weather of the Philippines touch my
skin, which I ignore because I have just arrived at my grandmother’s house. Just
seeing the place where I took my first few steps, the place where I use to go
every year to visit my dad, the place where I call my second home, made me want
to stay there forever. As I opened the tall red gates, hearing the squeaking
sound of it opening, the butterflies started rushing through my stomach. I then
see my uncle’s dogs running towards me as if I was a brand new dog toy. I
remember as a child, every time I visit this place, my love for animals grew
stronger and stronger. Rushing into my grandmother’s house to greet her with a
big hug after not seeing her for a couple of years was very heart warming. And
seeing my previous nannies brought back memories on how we would always walk in
the blazing sun to get some food and drinks just for fun. As the days go on, my
mind would start to clear almost as if nothing were to ever bother me. Being
with my family is one the few things that relieves my stress. Unlike all the
other places, not being in the Philippines all the time makes it an even more
special place for me to be in the right state of mind.
I
could smell the food cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen the minute I walk in.
My sister and I would help her prepare the table by placing a scoop or two of
rice on each place. But even though my sister’s scoops were way better than
mine, my grandmother would just smile at me, letting me know that im doing a
good job. I could hear the sound of my parents and relatives enjoying their
selves as they tell stories on how they have been throughout the time they
haven’t seen each other. But I stay in the living room, which is one of my
favorite rooms in the entire house. I go there to watch some television, to
talk with my aunts and uncles, or even just to play around with my sister’s
dog. Little things like these makes up for a lot of the insignificant problems back
home. But even though im here for only a short period of time, I try my best to
refresh myself through my time in this house. I felt the feeling of being
completely free around my family. I wouldn’t have to worry about my appearance
around them, Im not expected to be the person society wants me to be, I wouldn’t
have to worry about school, but most importantly in this place, I am myself.
I
would walk into my grandmother’s room seeing her all her nick-nacks and
pictures of each and everyone of her grandchildren. The soothing feeling of
being in this room send out good vibes all around her house unlike any where
else I have ever been. Being addicted to eating candy I stand on my toes
quickly noticing her favorite sweets, which were tootsie rolls and strawberry
sour belts. But sadly it wasn’t for any of us and every once in a while, if we
were good, she would reward us with some of it. I then walk towards my cousin’s
room where a lot of foolishness takes place. My sister, cousins, and I would
get in tons trouble for doing the most ridiculous things. And every day I spend
in that place I had absolutely cleared my mind of any negative thoughts and I
owe it all to this special place, which was to me, Querencia.
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