Jcka’s Adventures

    I was 12 years old—graduating from elementary in 30 days. I was so excited cause my adviser informed me that I will be getting an award/ribbon during the Graduation ceremony. Told my father about the ribbon and pinning it on me, we were both excited. I love my father so much- we called him "tatang" —my Tatang is a nice man, palabiro, generous as in galante, our neighbors loves him because of his being kindhearted personality, lalo na pag maraming silang huling isda. He is known as "tatang" in fish market. My Mom was in Manila that time- with our eldest Brother and eldest sister nagpapagamot she was already in bed (been on her belly for 2 years unable to walk due to an open wound infection on her tailbone)

       I tried to remember what day it was… but all I can remember was it was an ordinary day. Tatang would leave around 5 pm for fishing— his boat dont actually go fishing but a service who bring the fish the next morning to the shore/fish port everytime the fishing boat "pangulong" catch a fish. I cant even remember if see I him leave that day–I usually go to the seashore and see them leave.

       27 Feb 1985 at 7 pm after dinner…somebody told us that my Father was stabbed and he is in Calbayog Gen Hospital. I meant to go to the Hospital to be with my Father, I asked my sister in-law if me and my younger brod Johnny can go to the hospital where our father is. She said no…

     So we waited at home for any news—fell asleep and just be awaken up around 4 am  of 28 Feb.1985 my brother Charlie came back from the Hospital crying hard–kicking the wall and the door. And learned the saddest news of our lives—Our father has just passed away around 2 am. while at the hospital. Tatang was just 42 yrs old…

       It was a huge drama when Mama was brought home from Manila, she was on her belly lying on the last seat of Philtranco. There was a long line of people on the side of the street while she was being carried on a stretcher heading to Charlie’s house. She dont have any idea about Tatang yet. As soon she was inside the house—she was so amazed with all the people around & in the house with teary eyes and us holding our tears. The first thing she asked is "Asa man si Canuto?"  I have to wipe my tears soon heard my Mama asking for Tatang’s presence. My Aunt told my Mama that Tatang went back "sa lawod" for he thought that you are not coming today. We have to make excuses while waiting for the Doctor to arrive-he will be the one who is going to break the news to Mama… And Mama start to wonder why people are crying around her and us as well. We told her we are just happy to see her. Again she asked for my Tatang–she was told of same reason. But this time she insist that something is wrong— she said she knows Tatang that much he woud  not go somewhere else since he knows I’m coming home- he would stay and meet me!!! Asa man si Canuto lagi? she asked again. Doctor came I am not really sure how the Doc says those word to Mama— soon Mama learned the real story about my Tatang’s whereabout she passed out. Nang mahimasmasan— she requested that she will be carried to our own house to see my father’s body.

      Sa Araw ng libing ni Tatang napuno ang St.Peter and Paul Cathedral during the Funeral Mass— people whom been touched by my father kindness and generousity. I do miss my Tatang terribly…never a time pass by that I dont think of him. Wondering what he would look right now… and am dying to be held with his strong arms that carried me everytime I get sick. Same arms that straighten us up everytime we get in trouble….

      My Tatang always teased me of my being dark skin among his children (my mother craves for barbecue chicken liver while she was pregnant of me) I would always teased him back " kay itom ka man liwat- supo ko nimo" tatawa na lang siya. My tatang laughter is parang bungis-ngis. I do miss/love to pluck his beard/moustache after lunch; him coming home in the morning with big tuna fish for me and younger brod Johnny to sell. Uban sa lawod some weekends…

     Am sure my Tatang is looking down at us his children all the time…making sure we are all safe night and day! Miss you dearly Tatang!!! Love you Tatang!

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