Grief of a Child

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
January 22, 2011


GRIEF OF A CHILD
These two photos were taken when I was only 9 or 10 months. I was with Lolo Peping, my grandfather, in the first picture.
My parents were never married. My mother had her first husband and two sons before my father came into her life. Like any other couples, by doing the deed, I was the result of the love of my parents… And so, on the 7th day of November 1993, a beautiful baby girl was born in Bauang, La Union. She was filled with love and happiness embracing her whole soul. The baby was named Svetlana Joy. The story goes on like this…
I arrived here in Manila on the 24th of December 1993. My grandparents lives here and so does my father. I was welcomed with a complete family, with Aunties and Uncles, Lolo and Lola, and especially my Nanay and Tatay. It was a happy family back then…
Then suddenly, my mother had to work in Singapore. I was 1 year and 6 months old when the day she had to leave. I was too young and too little to be left by my mom. But, what can I do about it? I cannot tell her, “Nanay, ‘wag mo ako iiwan. “Or rather, “wag ka na lang umalis, please! “ But, I know the moment she left; my innocent face says it all.
My father was in charge of gambling in different areas, he was never home. He will go to Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Baguio, and Bicol every now and then. I was left with my grandparents all the time. I’m a certified Lolo’s girl. My Lolo and Lola took care of me, sleeps beside me, they even brought me to a good school, pay all my tuition fees, supports my programs in school. It’s like they were my real mother and father. They filled all the shortcomings of my parents to me. No wonder I love my grandparents more than I love my parents.
Nanay came back 4 years later. I was in Grade 1, I think. We were still complete by then. We go to parks, malls, and different provinces. And after 5 years again, she came back. Within those 5 years, Nanay and Tatay separated....