Getting Ancient
Thank you for greeting me on my Birthday on November 27 this year, reminding me I was getting that ancient. This year’s celebration didn’t have a happy beginning, having spent much of it in the hospital to keep Walter company, who was there for three days for some heart issue. It had a happy ending when Walter’s cardiologist (Dr. Monina Pablo Ozaeta) surprised me with a bilao of special pancit and a cake. Three of my good friends (Thor Reez—Nestor in real life, Lynn B. Resurreccion, and Carmen Padila, aka Menchu, Marichu to those who know why) were visiting Walter that day, had a piece of cake, and sang that familiar birthday song. Lynn brought a big, yummy-looking chocolate, which I kept in the fridge to take home when Walter gets released. Menchu treated us to dinner at Seryna (a Japanese resto in Makati) later that evening. The owner must be from the Visayan Islands.
Upon my return to the hospital at 10 p.m., another heartwarming surprise awaited me. My niece and her son were patiently waiting in the lobby, having traveled a long way, with a bag of assorted cupcakes. Their unexpected visit and thoughtful gesture truly warmed my heart.
Walter and I have been back in our Bukid-non since last night–with hundreds of new medications with instructions from his doctors when to take and how many, and for how long–a nightmare for me to follow and to remember. The patient doesn’t care, so I must play doctor to him lest he return to Vienna in a box.
The hospital expenses and medications are another story. I feel sorry for Walter, who has to spend so much already, and his vacation has just begun. We’re here until late March next year. I told him I’d cover his expenses and refund me when we returned to Vienna. For richer and poorer, in sickness and in health, they say. Ganun?
I woke up this morning when I heard a knock on my bedroom door. It was another niece (Ma Ria) with a beautiful cake she had baked. Happy Birthday, she said. I was not home that day, but she didn’t forget and wanted to surprise me.
As I reflect on this milestone, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. To be surrounded by such love and care, to have experienced these unexpected moments of joy, is truly a gift. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. VIELEN, VIELEN DANK!