Tuesday update

Dear Mama,

    It's 7:20 p.m., Tuesday. We just had our dinner, Mama. Ralph is getting ready to go to work. Angel is still out, though. We did not wait for her anymore because Ralph will be late if we did. She advised us earlier to go ahead and not wait for her. She might be home soon before Ralph goes to work, Mama.

    So far, Mama, the grill house  beside us that reopened has been quiet. They are not as loud as the one that was here before the pandemic. I surely hope it continues this way, Mama. And I hope I can already heal from this anxiety attacks I'm having as the evening approaches.

    It will the 10th year of company on October, and to celebrate, my officemates are planning to on a trip, and most probably it will be Thailand. The company will paying for the airfare and accommodation. For the expenses there, it will be on us - food, activities, etc. Because I did not join them last year in Japan, I am being egged to join them now. I don't know. It's like I am forced, Mama. The only problem is the pocket money. 

    Anyway, that will be all for now, Mama. It will be my birthday next week, and we still do not have any plans. I hope you will visit me on my birthday, Mama.

    I miss you.

    I love you, Mama.

                                                                                                      Daddy

Fridate with Angel

Dear Mama,

It's already past midnight but I thought I'd write a short letter before sleeping. Angel and I earlier went to SM Telabastagan where we had early dinner and then we looked around for a while.  

Ralph attended an event, and Edgar was with his officemates. It was just me and Angel, so I thought of taking her out.

After walking around the mall, we went to Angeles City for coffee. We went home at around 11 p.m., Mama.

I thought of taking Angel because she was sick earlier this week. She needed a little change of atmosphere. I hope it helped, Mama.

And that would be all, Mama. I did say it's just a short letter. Please guide our children. And please pray for my peace.

I miss you, Mama.

I love you.

Daddy 

They opened up

Dear Mama,

    They are opening up. I am talking about the grill house slash restobar beside us, Mama. The renovations are still ongoing, but they are already opening up probably to generate cash inflows. After all, they've been closed for more than a month due to renovations.

    I am not sure now if we're still to going to enjoy peaceful and quiet nights at home, Mama. They put some microphone and stage outside, and they were practicing probably last night. I can hear them, Mama. Maybe not as loud and annoying as the previous owners, but I can hear them.

    It has triggered my anxiety, Mama and I cannot function normally in my daily routines. There is always this fear of having chaotic nights due to noises, Mama. Worse, I cannot report them because they are in connection with the vice mayor already. I don't know how they are connected but I already saw her twice going to the place. The second one being their family's private event being held there. It seems they are already friends, if they weren't friends before.

    I don't know how to procced from here, Mama.

                                                                                                            Daddy

Monday after Easter

Dear Mama.

    It's the Monday after Easter, or what in Australia would be referred to as Easter Monday. It's their holiday today, Mama. That's why we did not have much work earlier at the office.

    We just had our dinner, and Ralph is preparing to go to work, Mama. It's quite early, just 7:16 p.m. I am hoping he will be able to leave for work early and not consume all his extra time and still reach 8 p.m. Which he is capable of doing, Mama. Anyway, I just hope he won't be late.

    Angel feels better now. Thank you very much, Mama.

    It will be my birthday in less 3 than weeks, and it looks like I won't be able to get my birthday wish, Mama. That is to be able to release my song in Spotify. Anyway, it's not important. Maybe I don't deserve it.

    I guess that will be all for now, Mama.

    Please continue guiding our children, Mama. And please pray for my peace.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                    Daddy

Easter Sunday

Dear Mama,

    Happy Easter!

    It's Easter Sunday, Mama. It's almost 9 a.m. and I just finished the laundry. The children are all awake. Ralph and Edgar had their breakfast earlier. Ralph bought pancit luglug and pandesal. Angel did not eat yet. She doesn't want to get up, Mama. She is better now, although she wants to rest.

    The long weekend is over and tomorrow we will be back to work. Back to reality, as they say, Mama. It has been a quiet 4 days here in our neighborhood. The restobar beside us is closed. Tomorrow, the renovations will continue, and I'm not sure if they will open tomorrow. But they are almost done, Mama. So, I don't know what to expect once everything's finished. I still don't understand why these businesses are allowed now in residential areas.

    It will be my birthday in less than 3 weeks, Mama. I don't have anything planned. But I do wish for the health of all our children and a peaceful life, especially in the house.

    I don't have anything more to say. Please make Angel feel better.

    I'm sorry, Mama.

                                                                                                    Daddy

Sorry, Mama. Angel is sick again

Dear Mama,

    As if things aren't already bad, it has gotten worse. Angel is sick again, Mama. I'm really sorry. I am not taking good care of our children. She was fine last night when she arrived home from the mall. 

    Please make her well, Mama.

    I'm sorry.

                                                                                                    Daddy

Worse

Dear Mama,

    I don't know what happened, but I don't think I can still continue. I'm tired, Mama. I want to go home with you. 

Saturday night

Dear Mama,

    It's around 7:30 p.m., Saturday. It's just me and Angel at home right now, Mama. Edgar attended the birthday party of his officemate, while Ralph attended an event that he's been joining almost every week for about a month now. They'll be home probably around 10 p.m. or later.

    Angel and I already had our dinner, Mama. I just ordered food for delivery. It costed me an extra money, but at least Angel was able to eat what she wanted to eat, Mama.

    I don't know what to say. 

    The restobar beside us is under renovation and they're not operating for more than 3 weeks now. That means it's been quiet for some time, Mama. However, the renovation work is about to be finished. Probably next week, or at least after Holy Week. I don't know what to expect after that, Mama. I'm not sure if we can still enjoy quiet evenings then.

    Sometimes I wish you were really reading my letters, Mama. I wish I can really talk to you.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                                Daddy

My APE results

Dear Mama,

    I had my annual physical examinations last Wednesday and the results were sent via email yesterday, Thursday. I checked them this morning, Mama. Everything seems to be okay. Everything, except the ECG, Mama.

    The reading says there is a deviation in my sinus rhythm on my left axis, and advised to consult with an internist. I hope it's nothing serious, Mama.

    I'm feeling a burst of paranoia attack right now.

                                                                                                        Daddy

Midweek update

Dear Mama,

    It's 10 p.m. now, Tuesday night. Ralph is already in his work, Mama. He left at 8 p.m. earlier. I just finished uploading another cover video on my TikTok account hahaha.... 

    Tomorrow is a holiday, Mama. But Edgar said they will be working tomorrow. I have no work, but I will leaving in the morning for our annual physical examination, Mama. I hope everything will be okay.

    Remember the stupid idea I had last time, Mama? The one where I planned in joining the audition for an acoustic singer in a restobar? Well, I did not join, Mama. I was not able to find the courage. I did not have the guts, Mama. That's why I'm just singing on TikTok haha...

    Anyway, I just want to say hi. I hope I am making you proud, or at least happy somehow, Mama.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                            Daddy

A stupid idea

 Dear Mama,

    Ralph has left for work. He should be reaching the terminal any minute now, Mama. Edgar is washing the dishes, and Angel is still asleep. She did not join us for dinner earlier. She'll just have her dinner when she wakes up later, Mama.

    Yesterday, we went out for dinner and coffee just here in Marisol, Mama. We were supposed to leave at around 6 p.m., but it started raining. We were able to leave at around 7:30 p.m. We had ramyun first, and then we had coffee. They were just beside each near the main gate, Mama. We went home past 9 p.m.

    I had a very stupid idea, Mama. I'm even laughing at myself for thinking about it. There will be an audition for an acoustic singer/performer at a restobar here in Angeles City. It's quite a popular place, Mama because a celebrity is part-owner of the place. 

    I have this crazy idea that I want to join the audition, Mama. It's stupid I know. I don't have a beautiful voice, I don't play the guitar well, and I'm not even good-looking to begin with. So, why am I dreaming? 

    I was just hoping I could still be a good performer, Mama. You know, music and humor, which is my brand. But again, I am doubting myself. Should I join, Mama?

                                                                                                            Daddy

Edgar's birthday celebration

Dear Mama,

    Last Saturday, we celebrated Edgar's birthday with Angel's Pizza in Dau. Edgar chose the venue because there was a Figaro coffee shop just upstairs, and there weren't much people there, Mama. So, we had pizza first (which we were not able to finish, so we had to take them home), and then we had coffee upstairs. Afterwards, we went straight home because Angel and Ralph were already sleepy. Actually, I was, too.

    When we reached home, we first sang happy birthday for Edgar. I bought birthday cake which was delivered Saturday, morning. However, after singing happy birthday song for Edgar, and after he blew the candle, we put the cake back to the fridge, because we were all too full and tired haha... And that was Edgar's birthday celebration, Mama... part 1.

    Yesterday, Sunday, we went to Marquee Mall to check out the book sale of National Book Store. We were able to buy 5 books, Mama. I finally found a copy of The Atomic Habit which Angel wanted to read. I hope she does, Mama. It's with her now.

    After buying the books, we roamed the mall a bit and decided to eat at Yakimix. Since it is still Edgar's birth month, we availed of the birthday promo, which was just 3 +1. We had to make sure Edgar was bringing his ID, though. After dinner, we went to CBTL, although I don't think any of us ordered coffee. We just drank juice, ice tea, frappe, but no coffee. And then we went straight home to rest, Mama. And that was the second part of Edgar's birthday celebration, Mama.

    In celebrations like this, I really wish you were still with us, Mama. I'm sure, Ralph could have spoiled you with all the food you wanted to eat. We miss you, Mama. I miss you.

    I love you, Mama.

                                                                                                                Daddy

Halo-halo tonight

Dear Mama,

    Angel treated me with halo-halo tonight. We bought from the sari-sari store near us, Mama. They were actually packing up the ingredients for the halo-halo because it was already past 8 p.m. Angel asked if she can still buy, and fortunately they accommodated her. That's why I had halo-halo tonight, Mama. It was delicious!

    Ralph is already at work now. He left earlier around 8 p.m, before we bought halo-halo. 

    Anyway, that's all I have to say for now, Mama. I enjoyed the halo-halo Angel bought for me.

    Please continue guiding our children, Mama. Please pray for my peace.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                                  Daddy

The week that was and the week that will be

Dear Mama,

    Our children and I went to SM Clark today. Today is Sunday and we went to the Big Bad Wolf Book sale at the SMX Convention Center, Mama. I thought I'd find some books I'd like, but they were expensive so I did not buy anything. Ralph bought a couple of books, and Angel bought a notebook. Afterwards, Ralph had his haircut and then we had dinner, courtesy of Ralph, of course. Then we went home, Mama.

    It was supposed to be an ordinary week last week, Mama, except that Ralph had fever last Thursday. I advised him to take a sick leave, but instead he took just a half-day sick leave. He left last Thursday at 12 midnight. He seems to be fine now. 

    Next week will be Edgar's birthday, and we still do not know what to do to celebrate it. I still do not have any gift for him, Mama. I don't know what to give him. Giving them gifts is getting tougher now that they are already grown up, Mama.

    Anyway, I think that will be all for now, Mama. I really don't have anything much to say, except I'm getting more followers now on TikTok haha.... but I will tell more of that in my future letters, Mama.

    Please continue to guide our children, and please pray for my peace.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                                    Daddy

Sunday update

Dear Mama,

    Edgar just arrived home before I started this letter. He came from his company outing, Mama. He left yesterday (Saturday) morning, and they stayed overnight in Zambales. Ralph, Angel, and I went to Marquee Mall this afternoon, we had dinner at Subway and then we went home, Mama.

    Yesterday, it was only Angel and I who went to the supermarket for our grocery shopping. Edgar already left then for his outing, while Ralph had his seminar for his housing loan in PAGIBIG. Good thing Angel and I were able to managed.

    During my check up with my doctor last Friday, he said the laboratory results were okay. That means I read it right, Mama. Although, I will still continue with my maintenance. I guess, that will be really a part of me for the rest of my life.

    Right now, I'm just preparing to sleep, Mama. Tomorrow's Monday again. It's a new week. Hopefully, there'll be better things to come for us.

    I guess that will be all for now, Mama. Please continue guiding us, especially our children. And please pray for my peace.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                           Daddty

Improved lab results

Dear Mama,

    I got my lab results today. I had my blood extraction last Monday, Mama. After getting my lab results, I immediately went home without looking at it. I did not open the result until after I finished the laundry and did all my errands. Because I was afraid of the results, Mama. I am always afraid every time I have my quarterly lab test.

    I opened the envelope and unfolded the paper, Mama. I looked at the results slowly, checking if they are still within the normal range. Because that is the only way I know how to check it, Mama. Good thing, all of them are within the range.

    Then, I looked for the page containing the comparisons from the previous months, Mama. I saw that most of them have improved! A lot of them are lower than the previous quarters - my blood sugar, cholesterol, and uric acid are all lower than the previous quarter, Mama.

    I hope I am reading my lab results correctly. I know, I still to have wait for the verdict of my doctor which I will see on Friday, Mama. It may not be a reason for my medicines to be removed or reduced, but maybe soon I will get there.

    That's all I want to say, Mama. I hope you're happy with my good news. I hope things will continue to get better for us.

    Please pray for my peace.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                                Daddy

Trip to Tarlac

Dear Mama,

    The children and I went to Tarlac today, or specifically Capas, Tarlac. We rented a van, as requested by Ralph. We left the house at past 7 a.m. and we reached our destination at 8 a.m. We went there to check the house that Ralph is buying, Mama. Yes, Mama. Ralph is finally getting a house. I'm not sure if this is the 2nd or 3rd attempt already. 

    The property is quite small, Mama. I don't think we will fit in there, especially with the things that we have accumulated. But at least,  Ralph will have a property in his name. I know how great that feels. I don't know what his plans are - if he'll be living in there, or he'll ask us to live there with him, or he'll have it rented. Because it crossed his mind earlier, which I think is a good option. Anyway, the house is not yet finished, there is still a lot of work to be done, and Ralph still has to get his housing loan approved.

    After checking the house, we had our breakfast at the nearest Jollibee there, upon the suggestion of Angel because she is trying to complete the toys from their kiddie meal. After we had our breakfast, we went to visit the Monasterio De Tarlac, because we have so many time left. The van we rented was supposed to be used for 12 hours.

    We reached the Monasterio at 10 a.m., Mama and the mass was just starting. Although we did not attend the mass completely. We just visited, and said short prayers. Afterwards, we looked around to see what was there, and also took some photos. We left at past 11 a.m., Mama.

    We reached Clark at 1 p.m., and we had our lunch at Aling Lucing. Although, Angel did not eat because she was not feeling well. Afterwards, we went home already. We were not able to fully use to van, because we have nowhere to go, and Angel needed to get home to rest. Also, I don't want Ralph to spend so much. Angel felt better when we reached home, but she needed to rest.

    I guess that will be all for now, Mama. I just want to tell about the house Ralph was buying. I hope you're proud of him. Wish you can see him today.

    I miss you, Mama. Please pray for my peace.

    I love you.

                                                                                                Daddy

Another scare from Angel

Dear Mama,

    I had another scare from Angel yesterday. When I arrived home in the afternoon, I heard her shouting as she was calling me from the room. I rushed to see what happened to her. She was complaining from pain in her stomach, Mama. She said it was acid, and it was painful. She was crying, Mama.

    I went to the nearest drugstore to buy her antacid, and some bread for her to eat. She took the medicine, and also ate a little. After a while, she said she was feeling better. There was still pain, but it was not as intense as it was before. She was calmer, Mama. 

    In the evening, after dinner and after Edgar washed the dishes, he called me and said Angel was hot. I immediately went to her, Mama. She was a bit hot, although she wasn't feeling anything nor complaining of any pain. I got a small towel, washed with cold water, wiped her hands, head, and face. I also gave her paracetamol, Mama.

    After that when she said she's okay. I went to my bed and told Edgar to call me if anything happened. She was okay throughout the night, Mama. Although she did not sleep well, because every time I went out to pee, I saw her seated at the table.

    She was better when I left work this morning, Mama.

    I'm sorry, Mama. I should be taking good care of our children, but I am failing. Please help me, Mama. I don't know what to do. I'm sorry.

                                                                                                        Daddy

Home from Nanay's birthday celebration

Dear Mama,

    We are home now from Nanay's birthday celebration. We arrived at around 9 p.m. (it's 10 p.m. now), but I folded the laundry and tidy up some things. Although only Edgar and Angel went home with me, Mama. Ralph was left there to spend the night with his cousins. You know how social he is. His work tomorrow will be at night anyway, so I just let him. I reminded him of his check up with his doctor tomorrow, though.

    There were 2 celebrations for Nanay's birthday today, as I mentioned in my previous letter. Lunch time was with relatives from Novaliches and Manila, and some of Nanay's friends at the church. We had it a restaurant in Infinity square in Pulung Maragul.

    Then, at the evening, it was with our relatives here from Angeles City, and our family. Only Dela Cruz siblings were present during lunch time. At the evening, we were complete - including nephews, nieces, and grandchildren. It was great seeing relatives from time to time. I hope Nanay was still able to appreciate all this celebration, Mama.

    Well, that's all for now, Mama. Tomorrow, it's back to work. It's just another Manic Monday.

    Please pray for us, Mama. Please pray for my peace.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                        Daddy

Nanay's birthday tomorrow

Dear Mama,

    We will be celebrating Nanay's 95th birthday tomorrow. I think I mentioned this already in a previous letter. There will be lunch where we will be catering to cousins from Novaliches and Paranaque, and then dinner for the rest of the family and relatives here in Angeles. It has always been like that, Mama. There was never just a single celebration for Nanay's birthday. She deserves it. Good thing, Ate Let and Koya Boy are willing to spend for her. Although this year, they asked the rest of the family to share in the expenses. Which I believe is good, at least we have a part in the celebration.

    Angel already finished his medications and nebulizer sessions, Mama. She's feeling better, although there were instances she just feels weak or doesn't feel well. I think it's more from her lack of sleep and exercise. I hope she gets well without anymore complications.

    Edgar finished his medications, too Mama. He is also feeling better now. A lot better that when he was sick 2 weeks ago. Ralph, on the other hand, is still coughing. He is still taking his maintenance for his hypertension, Mama. He was supposed to have his quarterly check up last Wednesday, but his doctor was not available and it was rescheduled on Monday. He was not able to get his lab results, yet. Praying they are better, Mama.

    Next week, we will be going to Tarlac to check the house that Ralph bought, Mama. Yes, Mama. Our son already bought a house. It is already his second attempt, if not the third, to get a house. The first one, he had some problem and did not pursue it. He was not able to get his deposit payments. Finally, he was able to push through with this one. I hope he'll be okay financially with this purchase. It's quite far, it's in Tarlac, but it's okay.

    I guess, that will be all for now, Mama. Please pray for our children. Please pray for my peace.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                        Daddy

Updates

Dear Mama,

    Just want to give you some updates.

    Angel is continuing with her medicines and nebulizer sessions. I'm just having difficulties following up because I am at work. I have to call her every now and then to nag and remind her. She remembers, Mama. Except that she sleeps at daytime, that's our only problem. She will complete her medicines and nebulizer sessions on Saturday, Mama. She said she's feeling better. Please make her well, Mama.

    Edgar is also on medications. He'll complete his antibiotics today, Mama. He is having some bouts with gout, too just like Ralph. He said it might be a side effect of his medicines. Hopefully he'll fully recover, too. We'll be celebrating his birthday, soon.

    Ralph is still working nightshift, Mama, He is just on his 3rd month. He also under medications, but for maintenance. He also had problem with his breathing last month, before Edgar and Angel. I hope his schedule will not take its toll on him.

    That's all for now, Mama. I'm sorry I was not able to take good care of our children.

    Please pray for my peace. I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                                Daddy

I'm sorry, Mama

Dear Mama,

    Angel was advised to be confined by the doctor at the AUF ER, but she may have seen the hesitation on my face, she said she did not want to be confined. I asked if we can just request for home medications, and they said yes. They gave us a prescription for Angel's medicines and they gave her instructions. I also signed a waiver for our refusal to be admitted. I'm sorry, Mama.

    The irony there was, although they were advising Angel to be admitted, there weren't any available rooms at the hospital, Mama. I just asked her name to be included in the waiting list. We were number 13 when I requested. We were at the ER from 12:00 a.m. to past 4 a.m., Mama. Before we went home, we ate at the Jollibee beside the hospital, and then I booked a Grab for us to get home.

    Once we were home and Angel has already settled, I went out again at around 5:00 a.m. to buy her medicines, Mama. Her total medicine costs have reached 4K, Mama! While at the hospital, we paid 3.7K for all the laboratory procedures and other ER fees. 

    I'm really sorry, Mama. I did not get Angel admitted. We are working on her. I'm always following up on her medicines, reminding her and also her schedule in using the nebulizer. So far, today she felt better. At least better that she was yesterday. Ralph also bought a new nebulizer machine because the old one we have was no longer working.

    I'm praying Angel will fully recover.

    I'm sorry, Mama.

                                                                                                    Daddy

Angel at AUFMC

Dear Mama,

     Angel and I are at the AUFMC ER now. It's 12:42 a.m.

     She was having difficulty breathing again, Mama. I took her here at around 12 midnight. She is on oxygen support right now, Mama. She's conscious, but she's catching her breath when she talks.

     I'm sorry, Mama.

                                                            Daddy

Latest update on Edgar and the Angel scare

Dear Mama,

    Ralph just left for work. He is on his way to their shuttle now, Mama. He took a GrabTrike on the way to the terminal where their shuttle vehicle is waiting. I just finished washing the dishes.

    Just an update on Edgar, Mama. He went to the clinic this afternoon for a check up. They said his air passage was a bit congested that's why he has difficulty breathing. He was prescribed with antibiotic and an inhaler, Mama. A puff inhaler which was a bit expensive. He said it was P400+. He is a bit better now, Mama. Although he said he will start his antibiotics tomorrow.

    I just received a message from Ralph that he is already in their shuttle vehicle. Thank God he's not running late today. He has never been late, so far. But there were a lot times he only made it 3 to 5 minutes before time. 

    Angel scared me today, Mama. I thought I would take her to the hospital. This afternoon, she sent me a message that she has fever and we won't be able to attend the art workshop we should be attending tomorrow. I said okay, and advised her to take medicine and rest. When I arrived home from work at past 3 p.m., she looked fine, although she was hungry. I went out again to buy her siopao and Coke from Alfa Mart. While we were eating, Edgar arrived from the clinic. Then I proceeded in doing the laundry, Mama.

    When I went back inside after doing the laundry, Edgar told me Angel was having difficulty breathing. When I saw her, she was indeed grasping for air, Mama. I got scared and became worried. Angel has no PhilHealth nor health insurance. But I asked her if she wanted to go to the hospital, and she said no. All the while she was catching her breathe, Mama. We told her to use the nebulizer, hoping it would help her. 

    As the solution was almost consumed, she was still not improving, Mama. I went out to the generic drugstore here to buy some more solution. Thank God, they were selling them over-the-counter and without prescriptions, otherwise, I would have really panicked, Mama.

    Then I asked them if I could also buy a puff inhaler over-the-counter, and they said yes. I took this home to Angel, Mama. Thank God, it worked she was able to eat well because we immediately had our dinner. I was even kidding her that she has already recovered because she was talking a lot during dinner, Mama.

    I know we're not out of the woods, yet. I hope Edgar and Angel get completely well.

   I'm sorry, Mama. All my letters lately are about our kids getting sick. Sorry, I was not able to take good care them.

    Forgive me, Mama.

                                                                                                    Daddy

Update on Edgar

Dear Mama,

    I am already at the office now. I just want to give you update on Edgar, Mama.

    Yesterday, when I came home in the afternoon he was a bit better. He said he has some difficulty breathing, Mama. Last night, he used the nebulizer to ease up his breathing concerns. He also borrowed the breathing aid of Ralph, Mama.

    Earlier, he prepared for work but he told me to go ahead as he was not ready when I was already done. So, I went ahead of him. I just messaged him now asking how he is, he said he went back home and took the day off, instead. I guess he still is not feeling well, Mama. Please help him feel better.

    I'm sorry, Mama.

                                                                                                                Daddy

Edgar's turn

Dear Mama,

    Edgar did not work today. He has fever, Mama. Last night he was having asthma attack. I am at work now, Mama. He said he'll be fine, but he was still lying down when I left this morning.

    Ralph will be running on some of his papers today. He just came from work, so he won't be sleeping today until he finish his errands, Mama.

    I hope Angel will be able to take care of Edgar. 

    I'm sorry our son has to be sick again, Mama. Please help me. Make Edgar well, Mama.

                                                                                                        Daddy

Nanay's 95th birthday

Dear Mama,

    Ralph just left for work a while ago. He did not take his dinner anymore, he'll just eat at the office probably. We had our dinner already, Mama. Edgar is washing the dishes, and Angel will be feeding the cats in a while.

    Next month, we will be celebrating Nanay's 95th birthday, Mama. Ate Let is already here, she arrived first week of February. Koya Boy, I think, will arrive on March 1st. Nanay's birthday will be on the 2nd. First, we will be having lunch with our cousins from Manila, and some friends of Nanay. Then there will be another celebration in the evening with other friends and relatives, Mama.

    Of course, after Nanay's birthday, the next occasion will be Edgar's birthday, Mama. We still have not discussed it, though. So, there are no plans yet. I still don't know what gift to buy for him, Mama. If you have any suggestions, please help me.

    I wish you could join us on all these celebrations, Mama. I miss you.

    I love you, Mama.

                                                                                                    Daddy

Post-Valentine dinner

Dear Mama,

    The kids and I went out today for our post-Valentine dinner. Of course, it was Ralph's treat, Mama.

    We were supposed to go to the new restaurant in Friendship, Mama. Unfortunately, it was not found in the Grab app. We tried looking for another place to pin near the restaurant, but Ralph was not able to find any. We opted to search for other restaurants in Friendship, but there so many we cannot decide. And it was hard to book a Grab car, Mama.

    We settled for a new place in Angeles proper. Still, Ralph had a difficult time booking a ride. After more than 30 minutes, he was finally able to get one. When we reached our drop-off place, we noticed the Pancake House had only few people. So, we had our dinner there instead of our original plan, which a new place near.

    After dinner, we went to Stabucks which is just beside the Pancake House, Mama. We stayed there probably for 30 to 50 minutes. Then, we went home. That's how we spent the post-Valentine, Mama. Wish you were with us.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                        Daddy

Valentine's Day 2025

Dear Mama,

    It's Valentine's Day. It's the 17th year since the day you left us. I still have not gotten over it. Especially now, when our kids are all grown up. I'm sure they would have showered you with flowers and gifts if you were still here, Mama. I'm sorry, Mama.

    I bought a cake for Angel. Something I knew she'd like, Mama. A cute Valentine cake. It has a cute baby bear in the middle of it. She liked it, Mama. We ate it after dinner.

    Ralph is on his way to work now. I'm following his current mobile tracking which he sent. I hope he won't be late. There was quite a heavy traffic jam earlier, Mama. It took him a long time before he was to book his Grab ride. He's almost there, Mama. Looks like he won't be late after all. I hope so.

    We will go grocery shopping tomorrow, Mama. Ralph will meet us at the supermarket. He'll proceed after work, although he'll have to wait for about 2 hours.

    Anyway, I think that will be all for now, Mama.

    I miss you.

    I love you, Mama.

                                                                                                         Daddy

I feel cold

Dear Mama,

Ralph just left for work. We already had our dinner.

I feel cold, Mama. It looks like it's My turn to get sick. I already took paracetamol, Mama.

I wish you were here.

Daddy 

Sunday update

Dear Mama

    I'm sorry for not writing for a while. I was meaning to write within the week but I did not know what to say or where to start.

    Anyway, Ralph is finished with his antibiotic and he's okay so far. No more fever, Mama, although as I've mentioned, he is still coughing. 

    Last Friday, I filed a leave from work and we went to Manila to visit the wake of my cousin, Bimbo. I was with Nanay and my siblings, Mama, together with Ate Let who arrived last Monday evening. Yesterday, we had dinner at the maternal house in Sta. Teresita. It was only Ralph, Edgar, and I who went there, Mama. Angel did not go with us. Ate Let will be here until Nanay's birthday on the 2nd of March. Koya Boy will also be going home for the celebration. Nanay will be 95 years old on her birthday, Mama.

    On Friday, February 14 will be the 17th year you will be celebrating your birthday in heaven, Mama. We still miss you. I still miss you, Mama. I still wish it did not happen, but I knew it was the best for you - to get the rest you deserved. But I still wish it did not happen.

    Anyway, I'll have to stop now, Mama. Otherwise, this letter might turn dramatic again. I miss you, Mama. Please pray for my peace.

    I love you.

                                                                                                        Daddy

Life so far

Dear Mama,

    I just want to update you on what has happened so far. Ralph has completed his 7 days antibiotics and he also has not gotten any fever. Thank you for taking care of him, Mama. He is still coughing, though. I hope he will be cured from this, too. He is already at work now, Mama. He left earlier before 8 p.m. (it's already 9:18 p.m. now).

    I haven't done anything much from my plans, Mama. So far, all I've been doing are doodles, and I'm not even good at it!

    Edgar is fine now. Angel is also fine, although she has been getting fever every now and then, which she would just sleep off.

    I guess that will all for now, Mama. Nothing much happening, really. 

    I miss you, Mama. Please pray for my peace.

    I love you.

                                                                                                        Daddy

A trip to the ER

Dear Mama,

    This afternoon, I took Ralph to the ER of AUFMC. He asked to be brought to the hospital, Mama because of his lingering fever. I have already started with the laundry when he said he wanted to go to the hospital. So, I stopped what I'm doing and we got ready to go to AUFMC. Edgar booked a Grab car for us. 

    We went to the ER at around 4 p.m., Mama. They took his temperature and BP after he filled up the info sheet. His temperature was 38.+ which was lower than his tempt at home which was 39.+. Probably because he took Bioflu at around 2 p.m., Mama. What surprised me was his temperature was normal!

    Finally, he was looked into by the ER doctor, Mama. The usual routine questions, to determine what was causing Ralph's fever. They ordered some lab tests - CBC, platelets count for possible dengue, urinalysis, and ECG. He was supposed to have stool exam, too but he wasn't able to produce stool samples.

    Then we waited for the results, Mama. Ralph was also administered IV fluids because they felt he was dehydrated. And then we waited some more. At past 7 p.m., the doctors finally came back to us and said Ralph's lab tests are all okay, and he is negative for dengue. He was also not dehydrated. I breathe a sigh of relief, Mama. We were then advised to wait for the discharge instructions before they send us home.

    After 30 minutes, they came back with the discharge instructions. Ralph was prescribed with antibiotics and some medicines, including paracetamol. We then waited for the cashier because they had to coordinate with the HMO provider for Ralph's bill. Good thing it was approved because they said the whole procedure would have cost 10 to 12 thousand pesos, and that's just for the lab tests.

    Anyway, we went home at around 8 p.m. We stayed at the ER for more than 4 hours. But I can't complain, at least Ralph's okay. We also passed by the drugstore so Ralph can buy his medicines, and bought litson manok for our dinner.

    Ralph's already sleeping now, Mama. He feels better. I hope this will continue and he'll be well tomorrow.

    That's all for now, Mama. I just want to update you on Ralph's condition. Please continue guiding us, especially our children. Please pray for my peace.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                        Daddy

Ralph is sick again

Dear Mama,

    Ralph is sick again. He was not feeling since Friday, Mama. Although he worked last Friday night.

    This morning, he said he might not be able to work tonight. He sent me a photo of his BP which was quite high, Mama. He is also complaining of swollen tonsils. He was taking medicines since last Friday, Mama.

    I'm sorry I was not able to take good care of our children, Mama. Please help me. Help me make Ralph feel better, Mama. We cannot afford another hospitalization for now. It will drain us even further.

    Please make Ralph feel better, Mama.

    If only it were the other way around, I'm sure our children would have been better taken care of.

    I'm sorry, Mama.

                                                         Daddy

We lost another kitten

Dear Mama,

    This morning, we lost another kitten.

    As Edgar and I were about to leave home for work at around 6 a.m., I saw a dead cat on the street in front of our gate, Mama. It was Kuting, one of the kittens staying in our garage. She was ran over, Mama. I was devastated.

    I don't know what to think. I was not able to take good care of them.

    I'm lost and confused. Why do these things happen to us?

                                                                                                        Daddy

Sunday nightcap

Dear Mama,

    It's Sunday, 8:30 p.m. I'm about to go to sleep, Mama but I thought I'd write a letter before lying down.

    I just finished doing 2 doodle arts, Mama. They're not bad. Not exactly awesome, but not bad. At least decent enough. If only my hands were not shaking, Mama, I could have done better. And of course, it's not also helping that I already have a poor eyesight.

    Yesterday morning, we had breakfast at Denny's in SM Clark before we went to the supermarket, Mama. Then last night, we went to Starbucks for coffee so Ralph can complete his stickers. Both were Ralph's treat, Mama.

    I think that's just about it, Mama. I really don't have anything much to say. Tomorrow's another manic Monday (remember our theme song then? haha...)

    Until my next letter. I miss you, Mama. Please pray for my peace.

    I love you.

                                                                                                Daddy

New week

Dear Mama,

    It's Monday. It's the start of a new week.

    We just had our dinner, Mama. Ralph is now getting ready for work. I hope he moves faster. He's a bit slow, Mama. I don't like doing it, but I often nag him to hurry up. Otherwise, he'd be late.

    I'm concern about his coughing, Mama. He is not getting well. He has medicine and breathalyzer. Please make him well, Mama.

    Maybe I'd do some doodle art tonight, Mama. Maybe later, after Ralph has left.

    Please pray for my peace, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                        Daddy

Weekend

Dear Mama,

    It's another weekend. The second weekend of the year, Mama. Everything's good so far. Everything's quiet, Mama. I mean, everything except my mind. I never lost this anxious feeling inside me, especially when I am at home. I wish I could get rid of this.

    We might go out later, Mama. We'll be going to the mall again to look for Angel's shoes. She was not able to find anything she likes last Thursday. I hope Ralph will be okay later. He's from nightshift, Mama. He's already asleep right now. 

    I really do not have anything much to say, Mama. I just want to talk to you. I wish I can hold your hands and embrace you now. I miss you, Mama.

    Please pray for my peace.

    I love you.

                                                                                                    Daddy

Angel's birthday

Dear Mama,

    It's Angel's birthday tomorrow. We might go out for dinner, Mama. If it will be okay with Ralph. And then we'll be looking for shoes, Mama. I promised her I'll buy her shoes. She finally settled for the shoes as her gift, Mama.

    It will all depend on Ralph. As you know, he is working nightshift, Mama. I hope he'll be able to sleep well tomorrow morning when he arrives home from work. Edgar will be here tomorrow. He filed for a leave. He said he'll be cooking spaghetti for tomorrow's lunch for Angel. I'll be working tomorrow and I'll just meet them at SM Clark.

    I guess that will be all for now, Mama. I wish we're still complete in occasions like this.

    I miss you, Mama. Please pray for my peace.

    I love you.

                                                                                                Daddy