On Tears and Goodbyes

My brother and his girlfriend has been together for the past couple of years. They have been together through thick and thin, holding on tighter and tighter as they face trials that steel their relationship and their wills as well. The most saddening event that unraveled in their life that I was able to take a small part on was when Ate Dyan's mother passed away. That mournful incident left four sisters without parents, and made Ate Dyan, Kuya's significant other, the breadwinner of their family. I can't imagine the sorrow she and her sisters must have felt that time, despite their very cheerful predisposition and outlook in life.

That was one time when I told myself that Kuya really loved Ate Dyan to the deepest depths of his heart, and Ate Dyan returning with an equal embrace of love stemming from her kind heart.

Since then, our family has treated Ate Dyan, Ate SM, Emer, and Incy as our own. My mom, being a person overflowing with maternal guidance and kindness, welcomed them to our family with an open heart. Whatever problem Ate Dyan and her sisters would face, our family, headed by Kuya and Mamie, would extend a generous hand in sincere help and love.

We have grown close to them.

Being the breadwinner of her family, Ate Dyan decided to take her chances abroad. She applied, and with luck being a lady, was accepted to be a crew on board a luxury cruise liner. With her leaving later this morning, we had dinner yesterday night with her family and a few cousins of hers as a despedida. Incy, the youngest of the four, was unable to contain her feelings as a few tears rolled down her cheeks. Ate Dyan will only be away for ten months, but still, ten months is ten months. I was moved on how Ate Dyan and her sisters loved one another, even if they did not express it in concrete ways.

The trip back home was silent -- most of us were tired, or were a little down since Ate Dyan is leaving (Ate SM, Emer, and Incy is sleeping in with us tonight as Ate Dyan will be leaving early today). Kuya looked anxious, worried, and down, but still had a determined look in his eyes. The feeling was somewhat infectious as I started to feel down as well, but probably because of the fact that I treat Ate Dyan as a part of the family now.

In the highest of hopes, I wish Ate Dyan the best of luck. Take care always, and goodbye, for now.