Our water meter is stolen again

Dear Mama,

    Our water meter was stolen again today. Angel woke me up at 3 a.m. today telling me that our water meter was stolen again. She said she was only made aware because the barangay personnel were knocking at our gate. They said they saw someone on the cctv acting suspicious, when they tried to catch them, they were already gone, and so was our water meter, Mama.

    This is the second time in less than a year that our water meter was stolen, Mama. Sometimes I think I'm the problem, am I attracting these things happening to us? I wasn't even actually thinking bad, Mama. I was busy thinking of our children and my upcoming song release in Spotify.

    Anyway, Ralph is on his way to report to the police and water district. He just came from the barangay for the report he needs to submit to the police and to the water district. 

    Edgar and I did not work today. Edgar's reason was because of his gout, while my reason was this stolen water meter. We have fixed the problem temporarily so we will have water in the house. Edgar also said he will go out later to finally get his motorcycle.

    That's all for now, Mama. I just want to update you on what happened to us.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                    Daddy

We gout another problem

Dear Mama,

    That's not a typo, we really gout another problem. Or should I say, we have another problem with gout.

    As you know, Mama, Ralph and Edgar are having recurring gout attacks. Tonight, Edgar's was worse. It's painful, Mama. It's started this morning, and it has gotten worse this evening. He said he was feeling the pain while he was at work today. I'm thankful he was able to make it home safe.

    They are taking medicine, Ralph and Edgar, for their gout, Mama. But it's just a pain reliever that they have to take when the gout attacks, and lately, they have been very painful. Ralph has it for more than 10 years now, probably. While Edgar's started last year. I hope they'll be free from this problem soon, Mama.

    Ralph still hasn't found a new job, Mama. He's still waiting for feedback from those he have applied before. I'm praying he finds a stable one soon.

    Angel discussed with me her plans about her health, Mama. She said she wants to see another dermatologist and get second opinion about her skin problem, and she's also planning to see a psychiatrist. We both agreed that she should see her doctor first, an internist, and she should tell him her plans about the dermatologist and the psychiatrist.

    That will be all for now, Mama. Praying for better future for us. Please help us pray.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                                Daddy

I took the first step

Dear Mama,

    Last night I took the first step in releasing my song to Spotify. I sent my song to an arranger, Mama. It will be finished by the first week of February. I have also contacted a recording studio where I'll record my song once the arranged music is completed, Mama. Then the mixing, and finally sending my song to a distributor who will upload my song to Spotify and other platforms.

    I'm excited, Mama. Although, I'm not really expecting much, given that there are a lot of outstanding independent songwriters releasing their songs to Spotify. Then there the mainstream artists, of course. So, I guess I'll be happy if I get 10 to 20 streams on Spotify with my song haha....

    That's all what I want to say, Mama. I wish you're here and I'm telling this to you personally. I hope I'm making you proud.

    I love you, Mama.

    I miss you.

                                                                                                                Daddy

Before I retire for the night

Dear Mama,

    I am about to sleep, but I thought I'd write a short letter for you. We'll start another week tomorrow, Mama. I'm praying there'll be better news for us, especially Ralph and Angel. Angel said she'll be applying for work tomorrow. Ralph is still waiting for calls. So far he only had 2 interviews, Mama.

    Edgar didn't get the motorcycle he was supposed to get today, Mama. I don't know what kept him, though. But I am relieved he won't riding a motorcycle for now.

    We went to SM Clark again today, Mama. Ralph had his haircut, while I bought some items I need for the laundry. Then we had ramen for dinner, and ice cream for dessert before going home, Mama. 

    I am considering to push through in releasing my original songs to Spotify, Mama. One song at a time, of course. I hope I'm making the right decision.

    That will be all for now, Mama. I did say it's short. But I wish I can hug you right now.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                                    Daddy

Saturday Night update

Dear Mama,

    It's just me and Angel tonight here at the house. Actually, we just arrived home a while ago. We went out to find a place to eat around Marisol, Mama. Since it was only the two of us, I thought we can go out. We walked about 2 blocks away, Mama. Afterwards, we also had coffee at another coffee shop even though the place where we had dinner was actually a coffee shop, too.

    Ralph went to attend another quiz/trivia night in Balibago, Mama. He just messaged us, he might go home a bit late because he is planning to get a foot massage, since there is one where they had their event. Edgar, on the other hand, went to Makati for another event which is related to his being a financial advisor/insurance consultant. He hasn't updated us yet whether he'll be going home tonight.

    I asked Angel if I should push through in  releasing my song to Spotify, and she said yes. I'm still hesitant if I should. I'm concerned about the money I will be spending, Mama. We might need it in the house, or for our children.  I'm confused, Mama. I wish you were here.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                                        Daddy

Friday night

Dear Mama,

    It's Friday night, and every weekend (Friday and Saturday), there are singers in the grill bar beside us. The good thing is that they are not as loud as the previous owners, Mama. The new owners have installed soundproofing materials. Although not really zero noise, at least it's not as loud as the one before the lockdown in 2020.

    We already had our dinner, Mama. Although Edgar is not yet here. It was just the three of us - Ralph, Angel, and me. We just bought food from a Korean restaurant in highway, Mama because I don't know what to cook. Because it was Edgar who has been doing the cooking, I don't know how to cook anymore. I'm still trying sometimes, but most of the time I just buy food, Mama.

    Edgar went out with his officemates, Mama. He said they will be going out to dinner. He might be late because they might go for coffee after dinner. I just hope the car parked in front of us leaves before Edgar arrives home. He might get annoyed again. Anyway, he will be getting his motorcycle soon, Mama. I will now just worry endlessly. I hope he stays calm and safe will riding his motorcycle.

    I don't know if I will still push through in releasing my original songs to Spotify, Mama. I will shell out at least P10k for my initial song because I will have to buy an account. I don't know if it's worth it. I think it's just a selfish whim. I can just use that money for more important stuff. I don't know, Mama. I'm confused.

    I guess that will all for now, Mama. I hope you will visit me in my dream.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                            Daddy

Is it getting better or is it just taking a pause?

Dear Mama,

    It's a little quiet now here. Angel feels better, and hasn't been complaining of any pains lately, Mama. Must the medicines having the effect on her. She's having better dispositions lately. Probably it was really her hypothyroidism that was causing her problems before. She's taking medicines for her maintenance, Mama. I hope she continues to be like this. She's also planning to do some exercises. She been gaining weight.

    Ralph and Edgar are also okay, Mama. They were no longer having fever, although their gouts seem to show up every now and then. Sometimes it's just mild, but other times it seems painful, Mama. I wish they would be healed from this condition permanently. Ralph is still looking for a job, while Edgar has been trying his luck as an insurance broker/financial advisor. I'm praying he will succeed in his endeavor. He is also planning to buy a motorcycle, Mama.

    As for me, I'm trying my best to cope, Mama - financially, and most especially, emotionally and psychologically. I cope by doing song covers in TikTok haha... I have quite a number of followers, Mama. I don't know why, but they seem like my singing haha... either that, or they just want to support an old man singing. After all, a lot of them are calling me 'lolo' or grandpa haha... I don't mind. I'm really old anyway. 

    Well, I guess that will be all for now, Mama. I wish I could hold your hands and hug you right now.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                            Daddy

New haircut

Dear Mama,

    I'll be going back to work tomorrow so I had a haircut today. My hair have grown quite long and unmanageable, Mama. It was also the perfect alibi for me to ask our children to go out because I really needed it, Mama. After all the things we've been through this past weeks.

    Edgar left the house ahead of us because he had to go back to the clinic for his follow up. He was prescribed additional medicines, Mama.

    We left at around 4 p.m., Mama. Ralph and Angel met with Edgar, while I proceeded to the barber shop to get my haircut. The three waited for me outside while I was getting my hair cut. Afterwards, I looked for a working ATM in the mall so I can withdraw, before we had our dinner at Kenny Rogers.

    After dinner we went to Starbucks for some coffee and drinks, and for Ralph to complete his stamps collection before the promo ends. We were lucky to find an available table, Mama. That was rare. While we were having our drinks there, Angel was doing some journaling activities, and also taking photos for her socmed account, I think.

    Afterwards, we went home at around 8 p.m., Mama. It was peaceful, and I am grateful we had this time. I'm praying things will get better for us in the coming days.

    That will be all for now, Mama. I still wish you were here. I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                    Daddy

Back to work on Monday and other updates

Dear Mama,

    Some good, not so good, and really not so good updates. I'll be going back to work on Monday, Mama. It's my last Saturday for the holiday break. On Monday we'll be going back to the office. I don't know where to classify that news, though. Of course, I'm happy I still have work.

    Edgar got sick again last night, Mama. He must have felt tired and cold while we were walking at the Clark Parade Ground last night. He went to the doctor for his check up. He was given medicines for 7 days, Mama. He doesn't have the result of his blood test. He might come back tomorrow for the result and reading.

    Angel on the other hand is feeling better, Mama. She's been in good mood this past days. Must be because of her birthday, and probably effect of the medicines she's taking. I hope she continues that way and will recover fully, Mama.

    During lunch earlier, Ralph told us he had his last day at work last night. I did not ask him why, nor asked him anything. I know that's how the BPO works for accountants. The client can stop your services anytime. But Ralph wasn't a bit worried nor concerned that he is out job, Mama. I'm not sure if he's just being optimistic or he's just hiding it from us, especially me, because he doesn't want me to worry. I hope he finds a new job soon.

    So, I really don't know how to feel right now, Mama. All I know is I really need a hug from you.

                                                                                                        Daddy

Angel's birthday celebration

Dear Mama,

    We were able to celebrate Angel's birthday today somehow. First, she celebrated it by herself last night, Mama. She bought some snacks, cookies and pastries, and asked Edgar to cook the bacon she bought. Then she arranged them in the charcuterie board. She also bought a small cake, and she created a video of all the foods she prepared. We haven't seen it though, Mama.

    Then today, Ralph treated us to steak and coffee inside Clark before he proceeded to work. We left the house late in the afternoon so we would have enough time, Ralph won't be late for work, and he wouldn't have to hurry. Edgar was already there, Mama. He left home this morning to attend to some personal matters. He applied for his ID in PAGIBIG, which took him almost the whole day. So he just proceeded to Clark and waited for us there.

    I was glad I already felt better today, although I was still feeling cold early this morning, Mama. But at least unlike yesterday when I don't really know how I'm feeling - cold and some pain which I am not were real or just imagined. At least I'm okay now, Mama. I hope.

    That's all for today, Mama. Wish you were here to join us in Angel's birthday celebration.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                                        Daddy

Edgar's turn and then me

Dear Mama,

    I don't know if it's a plague or something, but after Angel and Ralph, it was Edgar who got sick, and then it was me. Edgar did not go to work yesterday, Mama. He was feeling sick when he got home the other day (Tuesday), so he rested yesterday. He was taking medicine round the clock, though. He was taking Bioflu, Mama. Last night, he was feeling better already. He went back to work today, Mama.

    I was already feeling something since Monday night, Mama. It got worse last night and this morning. I am also taking medicines now for my fever/flu. I was already feeling better earlier after my breakfast, but I'm feeling cold now as I'm typing here. I'm not sure if it's the fever or the weather, Mama.

    We still do not have anything planned for Angel's birthday, Mama. She did not push through with the party. She wanted to have an overnight staycation, but it took a wrong turn because she excluded Ralph who has work on her birthday. Of course Ralph and I were disappointed, Mama. Also, we really cannot have an overnight stay because of the cats in the house. Add the sickness that has plagued us one by one, that's why we were not able to discuss anything on her birthday, Mama.

    We might just go out on Saturday, or Sunday, if everyone is already okay. I'm sorry, Mama. I'm failing again as a father. How I really wish you were still here.

    I miss you, Mama.

        

                                                                                                                Daddy

Ralph's turn at the ER and Angel's birthday party

Dear Mama,

    Last night, it was Ralph's turn to go to the emergency room of AUFMC. He was coughing while we were having our dinner last night, Mama. After dinner, he took a bath, and he asked to be accompanied to the hospital because he had difficulty breathing. At the ER of the hospital, after the doctor listened to his lungs via stethoscope, she immediately said they will give him a medicine.

    They gave him medicine via IV, Mama. So they had to inject him to put the receptacle where they'd administered the medicine. He was also given oxygen, and had nebulizer 4 times during our stay there. They actually wanted to admit him so they can monitor him better, Mama. But as usual, there were no available rooms. We just went home and signed a waiver. He was given prescription for home medications, Mama - antibiotics, steroids, and the fluid used for nebulizer.

    He was feeling okay yesterday when we went home, Mama. At least better than before we left last night. He was able to sleep. But this morning, after having his nebulizer session, I noticed him standing and holding on to the table. I asked him what happened, he said he was having difficulty breathing if he is lying down. So, I went back to AUFMC to check if there are rooms already available, but there aren't any yet. I was asking to be listed so we'll be called once a room is available, but they said Ralph had to go back to the ER first to get doctor's order, even though we were just there last night.

    I just went home, as per my communication with Ralph through text messages. We were actually looking at another hospital. Fortunately, after his second session he was already feeling better, and was able to to lie down and sleep in his bed. Must be the medicines and nebulizer already taking effect. Thank God. He did not go to work now, though, Mama. He has to complete his nebulizer schedule for the first day. Hope he fully recovers. Help me pray for him, Mama.

    As for Angel's birthday, she said she wanted to push through with the birthday party. I said it's only a few days left, she needs to confirm the venue, date, and guests. I said yes, but she had to take care of everything. Edgar also said he will help in the expenses for the birthday party.

    It's quite expensive, but it's her first birthday party since the last time we celebrated it in Bagongbayan when she was still so little. So, I guess we had to do it. I hope everything goes well.

    I really wish you were still here. I'm failing as a father, Mama. I'm sorry.

            

                                                                                                                Daddy

Update after doctor's visit

Dear Mama,

    Angel went to see her doctor this afternoon, and I accompanied her. We've waited for almost 2 hours because there were so many patients, Mama. I was worried because Angel was already feeling uneasy. She said her skin was in pain because it was cold at the hospital's waiting area. I'm glad she was able to hold on and waited for her turn.

    After her check up (she did not want me to accompany her inside the clinic), we already went home, Mama. But we passed by the drugstore to buy some of the medicines the doctor prescribed her. She was given steroids for her pain, and she was also given medicines for her hypothyroidism, Mama.

    Angel asked if she should see an ob-gynecologist because her symptoms were similar to those with PCOS. Her doctor said she can if she wants to, but he believes it's her thyroid that's causing everything. We'll see in the following days, Mama. Although, I might persuade Angel to still see an ob-gyne.

    I hope Angel will feel better soon, Mama. She has a lot of plans that she was doing little by little. She was slowed down by her condition. I hope she'll heal soon, especially with her birthday coming.

    That's all the update I have for Angel now, Mama. I'm really sorry I wasn't able to take better care of her. I wish you were still here.

                                                                                                                Daddy

New year update

Dear Mama,

    It's just me and Angel at the house right now. Ralph went to Manila to see some friends from his previous job, while Edgar went to see an officemate. Probably related to his being an insurance agent, Mama.

    We went out yesterday, January 1st. We went to Marquee Mall, Mama. We had our photo taken at the photo booth and then we ate dinner before going home. There wasn't really much anything to see at the mall yesterday, Mama. There were no events nor any activities.

    It was quite a worrisome time, Mama. Angel was not feeling okay. She wasn't able to walk normally. Her skin were irritated, she was in pain. It seems her condition is getting worse, Mama. What should I do? Please help me, Mama. I'm sorry.

    She's been going to the doctors, both internist and dermatologist, but they cannot really help her. She's getting tired of the medicines, which were not really helpful. They sometimes would provide temporary relief, sometimes they won't even have any effect on her.

    It will be her birthday soon, Mama. I want her to celebrate her birthday without any worries. I'm really sorry, I'm failing, Mama. Please help us.

                                                                                                            Daddy