After me, God entrusted to them the life of two boys. Christian Vincent Saminal who was born on February 27,1981 in Jovellar, Albay and Francis Ryan Saminal who was born on December 12, 1982 in Polangui, Albay.
The first ten years of my parent’s marriage was spent in Polangui. If I recall it correctly, within these first ten years, we move and transferred into three different houses. First, we lived in my grandparent’s (papa’s parents) house located in Basud. I saw through pictures that I celebrated my first birthday in that house. It was a big two storey house. There was a huge stairs that leads to three rooms. In the center of these three rooms is a Christ the King image. (I grew up hearing a story that one of my cousin was miraculously saved when she tried to go down the stairs when she was just a baby.) The living room is big. I will never forget the marvelous floor (though I’m not sure if its granite or marble). The dining area is impressive as well. There was a dining table which can accommodate around fifteen to twenty people. There was also a cabinet full of my Lola Eday’s beautiful china collection. We lived in the house together with my father’s youngest brother family. Another Uncle together with his family is our neighbor.
I’m not sure for what reason, (maybe a family misunderstanding) we moved into our second house in Alnay - also in the same town. I got so many most unforgettable experiences in that house. I knew that it was where my youngest brother was born. There was a stairs that looks like a stage. During this time, I’m a little bit grown and more conscious of what is happening around me. I remember, my Lola Loleng lived with us and takes good care of us. I remember my second brother – Jojie celebrated his first birthday in this house. I observed that during his birthday so many relatives from my mother side were finally able to come and celebrate with us. I remember them telling stories that during the night my mother gave birth to my brother so many old and young butterflies encircling my mother.
After residing in Alnay for some time, we moved out again and went back to my grandparent’s house in Basud. At the same time, I can recall they were starting to construct our own house in the vacant lot besides my grandparent’s house. I remember we occupied one bedroom besides the living room. A memorable birthday of my youngest birthday brother was celebrated there. Right now, so may memories suddenly pops-up in my head. One time, I went to my Aunt’s house for a sleepover together with my older cousins. We were waken up by a noise from a firetruck, my grandparents house was almost caught by a fire. Thank God no major damage had happened and Thank God none of my family or relatives was hurt. At this time situations becomes clearer to me. My mother sells footwear in the market and also goes to nearby towns. Her store is a temporary stand only and put-up along market roads. Together with her two or three assistants, they have to put-up their tent every morning, except in Oas where they sell inside the market which has its own roof. Cartons of rubbershoes, slippers, socks they need to pack and unpack everyday. My father was a jeepney driver. Every morning he would help my mother bring her goods to her destination. I know it was very difficult to them as they have to wake-up very early, sometimes as early as two o’clock. Growing up, I saw the hardships they have endured to earn for a living. We were unstable financially, we don’t have our own house, and my parents were under the scrutiny of my relatives and neighbors. My father was an alcoholic which leads him to trouble in dealing with his family and friends. My mother nags a lot. I know that they weren’t successful to get over these problems in their systems but I know for the fact that they did their very best to stand up for the family they are starting to build. I would remember seeing my mother cried so many times and was hurt more than anybody could bear. They were getting tired of problems coming to them everyday. Thank GOD they hold on to their marriage vow, ''...in sickness or in health, till death do us part...''
Me and my siblings are very lucky that we have GOD fearing parents. They are not perfect they commit mistakes but the love they showered us is immeasurable. My childhood was full of beautiful memories. Visiting Tiwi church is a yearly devotion back then. The trip from Polangui to Tiwi is always an adventure. Big rocks as big as houses from Mayon Volcano can be seen along the roads. I would remember our vehicle had to pass a shallow and moving river. Before going home my parents would buy us piggy banks, toy pans, pots and guns made of clay. Going to LCC Mall in Legazpi City is always a threat especially when my parents have enough money to have a sumptuous meal in its foodcourt. I am always mesmerize how large it was, the food on display were amazing. The last time I went to LCC I was already adult and I realized the place is not that big as I thought before. But the smell of the foodcourt reminds me of golden memories with my loving parents and dear brothers.
While growing up, I know for the fact that we are not rich as I always see my father borrows money from his mother. I also hear my parents discuss about money. Nevertheless, I know I was whole. I have a father who is very thoughtful though not showy. I would remember after a day of driving his jeepney he would bring us flat tops or tootsie rolls. One time, my mother got very angry at me I got upset and cried myself to sleep. When I woke up my father gave me a Jack and Jill Chippy..
During my kindergarten days, I remembered I slip around the house while carrying a pale of water. To calm me down, my father carried me and told me to be careful next time. Afterwards, he was the one who sent me to school using a bicycle. After dropping me by and he bid goodbye, I want to cry and run after him. God knows how much I adore my father. My mother is one of the strongest person I had known. There were so many times she cried. There were so many time she was insulted. But on these many despairing times she keeps on standing up for her family. It’s funny to think now that on every Santa Cruzan, my mother always volunteers me to be a part of it. She wouldn’t mind if she works very hard so she will be able to rent a gown for me in those events. I will always remember how she cleans my nails. Buying same kind of shirts, shorts, socks and rubber shoes for my brothers. The letter soup she would cook after coming off from a dentist. Sending me to a nearby saloon to fix my hair. God knows how much I admire my mother. These are just few of my unforgettable experiences with my parents. Since we were young we were showered with story telling. We have Pinocchio, Hanzel and Gretel and Beauty and the Beast books. We have a very few toys but enough to enjoy our childhood. My parents did their very best to raise us up to be a GOD fearing people.
DREAM HOUSE
All I am dreaming right now is to have enough money to buy a house and lot for my parents. And while they are still strong, may GOD help me to save enough money for them to enjoy a trip together.God know's how much I want to build a house for them. Our very own house. Our home sweet home.
Thank you GOD for my family.
