By Lara Lorraine Cada
An invitation came late afternoon yesterday Saturday from our beloved relatives who traveled from Samal to visit on a little home. We surprised that they came all along to visit us. Yet it’s not me whom they are going to visit. It was my father, one of the eldest brothers of the family and a head of the Cada clan, they are visiting. We were invited on a family affair that celebrates fiesta on their barangay.
A Sunday afternoon spends most of my time with my family along with 2 other families who are close to us. At 9 am, we headed off to Sasa to travel from land through barge where vehicles are transported to the island. It was a simple gathering that my dad was able to gaze a smile for all of us.
Everybody got out from the car to grasp air from the sea making it more memorable to remember, as we docked on the port, a moment of 10 minutes transport on the sea. Finally, we arrived on the exact time as expected everybody got in instantly heading to Lolo Dok-dok’s house.
When we checked the house only two of my cousins who were present, looking at the house, it was simple and welcoming. My dad came out from the car quickly because he was looking for someone. And I followed him, I asked him not to leave the house because he might get lose again. I was afraid that the incident from last year where he got lost and never came back would be repeated. He insisted that he would go the right direction.
As he was looking for the house that he wished it was there. A pedicab was at our back and a man yelled, “Asa man mo noy?” he glanced back and said, “DoK! (With a tear from his eyes) Musta naman ka? ” (How are you?). “Ok lang man ko noy!” (I’m ok brother), Lolo Dok said.
It was a moment that seems to be timeless. Since the incident last year with our entire family going through, we became in tact and became stronger. As I stared behind them, they hugged each other. Small tears from both poured down.
I guess that was a long day after all when everybody was set asleep, sharing stories, memorabilias and stuff that make our family stronger.
As I was looking at the two brothers they have never been detached, it was a meaningful bond for both of them, after years of struggles and heartaches. Both were holding hands tightly looking at them sharing stories way back when they were young. How I wish I got my camera to capture the moment. Yet the sun sets to dawn and the light was perfectly there’s to witness.
Lorraine de Lara 