It's the sound of raindrops on the rooftops that reminds me of yesterday. The sad ones or the happy ones but most of the time good times. I was born where technology was not that common. Only the richer ones could afford to acquire it.
Despite the hardships, there was a sense of unity and resilience within our family at that time. We may not have had the luxuries that others had like gadgets, electric supply etc., but we had each other. We found joy in the simplest of things, like the sound of raindrops on our rooftop and the wonderful conversations. It was a reminder of our shared experiences, memories, and the bond that held us together.
Looking back, I realize how fortunate we were to have those moments together. In a world where technology was a leisure, we were able to connect on deeper bonds. The absence of distractions allowed us to truly appreciate the time we spent together.
It was raining that time so most of us in the family did not go out. We had dinner together with a single kerosene lamp at the center of the table. What was around us was very dark because of the heavy rain. In a world where technology was a luxury, we were able to connect on a deeper level. Laughter was everywhere enjoying our delicious meal. Father and big brothers went to the sea fishing using a fishing net. We did not just savor our delicious food but our precious time as well.
The dinner took longer than before. Even though there was no food left to eat, we stayed at the table to have conversations. The absence of distractions allowed us to truly appreciate the time we spent together. It's a stark contrast to the fast-paced, technology-driven world we live in today. I hate this. The memories with them when we were younger are so vivid in my mind now. I almost can't see the words I am writing right now. I wish to have that kind of situation again even if eating 3 times a day was hard.
It's impossible to return from the past, I know. I am older now and so are my brothers and sisters. Sad to say one of us followed Father to heaven. It's just too unfortunate that our life status has become a lot better compared to before. He could not enjoy it anymore for long because of where he's at right now.
"You know what's painful about life? When you have nothing else to choose but to accept it because you don't have a choice."
Now, as I reflect on those memories, I can't help but feel a sense of longing. Life has changed, and so have we. We have grown older, and some of us have even passed away. It's a bittersweet realization that our circumstances have improved, but we can never go back to those simpler times.
I often find myself yearning for that sense of togetherness and contentment, even if it meant struggling to have enough to eat. It's a reminder that happiness doesn't always come from material possessions, but from the connections we forge with one another.
I think I was 9 years old back then when there was a strong typhoon. Poor us, we only had a nipa hut at that time. Sometimes when there was heavy rain, a part of the rainwater got inside the house. The rain was strong that time, I don't know why I could still imagine it, as if it just happened yesterday. My big brother Ambrosyo and my father climb to the rooftop to pull the ties that hold the nipa hut so as not to be blown away by the wind.
I could still remember how Mother cried in silence at that time. He just showed her tears falling while me and my other sisters were doing the same. I understood why my mother was crying at that time. It was not because of fear like us her children but for sure how life treated us poorly at that time. Yes, we were happier and maybe had a better bond as a family but in exchange the kind of life we were having.
Thank God it's raining right now. Just what Charlie Chaplin said, "I like to walk in the rain, because no one can see my tears. That's why, whenever it rains I can't help myself but think of the things from the past, some I love and some I hate. I am filled with gratitude for the lessons it taught me. And even though I can't go back in time, I carry those memories with me, cherishing them as a reminder of where I come from and the strength that lies within me. Even so, I still love the rain, the sound when it falls and the way it smells. It makes me gloomy but it doesn't mean I hate the rain. I can stay the whole day watching the surroundings while the rain keeps on falling.
Thank you for reading