Only One Left

Before the year ends, I would be the only one left in my family who has not set foot on America. My parents, all my siblings, and their children would finally be Americans in a few years. Beyond the fact or issue of change in nationality is the serious implication it will have in the bond that keeps a family together. For months or even years I would have to bear with being the only one left, whereas before it was my eldest sister who was alone in the States.

PAGASA's right on this one: Tides Change.

It can be viewed as a low point when relatives are an ocean away.

Or it can be viewed as a challenge. I will no longer be able to immediately cling to them for support or run to them for aid--I never did really bother them that much, having clearly set boundaries that I will not obligate them to support me ever since I finally grew up and started taking work seriously.

Once again, I am given a chance to prove my strength and it's such a delight to stand on my two feet with my wife and daughter flanking me. As long as we have each other plus the One watching over us, we will be alright.

Or it can be viewed as a high point to imagine all the dollars they will might send.

The second to the last batch will be leaving soon, my nephew and niece will be accompanied by my father who this time will be staying in the US a bit longer.

And the last one will be my mom; as it is written, the first will be last and the last will be first. She's hesitant to leave, still the matriarch trying to manage the household even if all her children have their respective families. But she knows she has to go this time not only for a visit; health care there is definitely better than what we have here and she also needs to spend time with her children on that side of the planet.

So I expect to be asked the usual question they ask those who have relatives abroad.

And I would have to once again respond that I choose to remain. Maybe I will drop by for a visit, which is close to impossible given the measly pay this country gives to her educators even if they have crazy administrative posts (not in the DepEd I heard).

I see this as an opportunity to begin. Truly, there's sadness in parting but admittedly I am also excited.

Tides will change again as expected and who knows.
The season might present opportunities so that I will no longer be the Only One Left.

It just might be the Only One.


Right?