Back in Bacolod City

After saying good-bye to Obedient One at 3:00 a.m., I left for Terminal II of the Philippine Airlines Centennial Airport where I was to board my 5:15 a.m. flight back to Bacolod City.

It is always difficult to say good-bye to my youngest child, my only daughter. Although she is already 24 years old, fully capable of living on her own, there is a bond between a mother and daughter that is just so special.

At the airport, while waiting for my boarding announcement I visited my favorite Cafe Delifrance to have a cup of coffee. Sitting there, alone with my thoughts, I remembered Ernie again.

Airports are such special places for him and me. Whenever he or I would be traveling, we would often use the time in between flights to send SMS text messages to one another. Just a brief update on what's happening, or express eager anticipation at seeing each other again. We would always remember to put those three little words at the end of the message: I love you.

He would always want to know where I was, and how I was doing.

Again, it is with a tinge of pain to realize that the only person who cares for me in that very special way is no longer around.

These were the random thoughts and feelings that crossed my soul while waiting for my flight...

Well, I am back home in Bacolod City, "back on Reality Channel" is my way of putting it.

It is my location statement, something I find very helpful to do, as I have found myself in a constant state of transition over the past fifteen years or so.

As always, my two dogs were overjoyed to see me when I got home.

And I was glad to hug my grandson Matthew, whom I had missed so much. Although I had been away for only a week, he seemed so much bigger than when I last saw him.

I was also happy to be in my garden again, and took some time to trim my Australian bushes and crepe myrtle.

At noon, I had my weekly lunch meeting with the Women of Purpose, the ladies' group of our church.

Later in the afternoon, I went to my office and was able to finish doing a few write ups.

In the evening, First Born, Worshiper, God-given and I all enjoyed the delicious dinner which God-given had prepared. And we all felt "entertained" by baby Matthew who was in such a smiling and laughing mood this evening.

It was a good homecoming. So much happened in just a day! Despite the random sad feelings that I had earlier today, it really felt good to be back home again.

Sharing some pictures of today's journey:

"Mother and Daughter"
Obedient One and me, after an early breakfast at McCafe yesterday,
just before she started her day at work

"A New Day Dawning"
Sunrise at the Bacolod International Airport
I took this shot from the Arrival Lounge of the terminal building

"Happy Baby" Matthew

"My Grandson Matthew"

Lunch at Indang's House

Front Row: Divs, Miriam, Janice
Standing: Mayang, Indang, Menchu, me