Good-Byes Suck

These are the times I hate the most. My parents left for Manila last Thursday, while the twins left last night. Atsi and Mark have gone home to Redlands while Jules is settling in his new place in Woodland Hills. A few days ago our house was bustling with activity. Today, it is so quiet with just Jojo and me living in it. Everything seems so still and the rooms so empty. I keep finding stuff everyone has left behind - my dad's bathrobe, my mom's slippers, a couple of stray clothes that have been left in the dryer. Jim's flaming hot Cheetos, Atsi's handbags, and Joy's scarves in the drawer. I am both happy to see these and sad to find them too.

I always have such a tough time adjusting to having my family leave. I know everyone is sad when their family leaves but in my case, this is compounded by the fact that we have such an awesome time together. It makes good-byes just an extra bit harder. I wish things could be so much simpler where all of us could be living under the same roof - or at the very least in the same city! I know it's wishful thinking and a conscious choice we all made. But it sure is tough getting used to it and being away for almost 8 years has not made it any easier.

Yet, despite my feeling of sadness, there are so many things I am thankful for. Of course at the top of my list every time is being blessed with a wonderful family. Yes, we do have our differences and our occassional moments of discord. But in truth, we are all so lucky to have each other. And so while I am a bit sad today, I am cheered up by the happy memories and the thought that I can look forward to the many other family get-togethers we will soon share.

Thanks Dad, Mom, Atsi, Jim, Joy, Jules, Mark, Jojo and our honorary member - Marc, for making the last few days so much fun. Looking forward to our next family reunion =)