The Smell of Home is Oh So Sweet

After what felt like an eon, I’m back home. Nothing beats the feel of stepping in familiar, sugarcane-planted ground. Our dogs gave the best welcome reception, hands-down to them. The moment I stepped out of the car and entered our gate, the two Rotts went berserk. As mom would put it, palagi naman ‘yan excited ‘pag dumating kami pero ngayon yung excitement nila eh yung tipong hindi mapakali. Yes, I’m that superstar. They missed me and their memories were in perfect condition – except for Sweetie who kept sniffing me for some ‘ol familiar smell. I couldn’t blame her though, she was a baby Daschund the last time she saw me. Her mother, my loyalist, on the other hand kept jumping at me and peeing uncontrollably. Now that is what you call EXCITEMENT, baby.

*sigh* I missed them and it feels awesomely good to be home.

On a darker yet optimistic note, I found myself in the hospital as soon as I arrived. A relative Tito of ours was in critical condition at the ICU. I was with his son on the flight back home and we had to rush him to the hospital to see his dad as soon as we got off. Miracles happen and the father-son reunion was a lot of drama but this is not an entry of remorse. My tito was faring better. He was able to give me a thumbs-up sign when it was my turn to see him. Prior that, mom and cousins recounted how they almost lost him. His heart stopped beating thrice. My dad theorized he crossed-over. My tito wrote he saw a white figure (amidst the stark darkness) egging him to fight when he was at the most critical point. Whatever happened, I am thankful. It’s always grace that brings us back to life. The moment we are brought back, we become new. And we fulfill the purpose – the very reason – we have been brought back or “given the second chance” to live.

Some first day that was. I led prayer before meals during dinner. Opportunities are everywhere. I’m in for some grand vacation.