The role of an Ate/Manang.

         Our role as a sister, furthermore a big sister never stops. Don't you agree? My sisters are like a babies to me. Although the three of us have 6-7 years age gap but we remain very close.

  Ging-ging, our youngest. Never a spoiled brat and always been a sweetheart. We all call her ga (as pinangga in Bisaya). She will turn 17 this September 29 and we are very happy and excited for her. Ryan had always been a fan of her. Although she is too shy to speak english but Ryan always hunts her down and start a conversation with her. She is always a fan of boy bands. 98 degrees, Backstreet boys and so on. She even thought that Ryan looks like Nick Carter of backstreet boys. Ryan giggled when I told him this.

        When mama first told us that we are going to have another sibling, we were furious. Manoy Gayfred was in college then, Nonong Tonette was in high school and I was in grade six. We hated mama. We did not understand why do we need another sibling for. Resty was the only one who was so excited. She was 6 years old when mama got pregnant. The 3 of us planned not to talk to mama. We were bad we know. Part of it was Manoy Gayfred was a little embarass because he was already in college and will have another sibling but me,  it was mostly because I know I will take care of her. Don't get me wrong, my parents are responsible people but I know I will have to give my share because Resty was still too young. Anyways, mama always tell us that once she will have the baby, we are not allowed to hold her and touch her because of how we were behaving. We said, fine... deal but when we saw her for the first time we just couldn't bare not to touch her. She was so adorable. I asked mama if I can name her after mine. She asked me what name do I have in  mind. I told her, Mary Grace and her nickname will be Ging-Ging. Like mine, Merydith and nickname In-in. She said yes.

        If I can only turn back time I should have not behave like that. We were immature and selfish then. She is the best sister one could ever have. Happy Birthday Ga and we miss you so much .

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       Resty on the other hand gave me almost a heart attact recently. The last time I chatted and exchanged ym's with her was the first week of September and we haven't heard anything from her. I freaked out. I asked mama if Resty did leave her a message and she said no. She was so worried too. Before I work everyday, I make sure to check my ym to see if she left me a message. Never did for the past 3 weeks. I prayed so hard. I am so worried of her moreso worried of me because I was getting too emotional. Ryan and mama kept telling me to take it easy because of the baby. Everytime I work I think of her. Hoping that she is ok. Although I am married and have a wonderful life here but I still can't deny that I still have a sister that I haven't heard for too long. I called mama so many times crying about her. I am worried sick and wanting to know what is going on.

        Then last Monday, I got tons of messages from her. She said she is ok just don't have the money to use the internet cafe. I felt so relieved. She said, she had everything budgeted and don't want to overspend or become short at the end of the month. I told her it was just that we were chatting and leaving messages 4 times a week and all of the sudden it stopped. I used to get messages from her and mama almost everyday and then never heard from her again.

       See... being a sister never stops. We might be so far from each other but  our love for each other is unmeasurable by distance. Here are more pictures of us three. I have treasured those days.

       

Comments

[Maria]

Hi In-In,

Reading your post made me miss my sister in the Phil. You are a great Ate. My sister and I are very close too. Happy Birthday to your sister.

[In-in]

Maria, I know, if only I can take them here and be here by my side all the time. Thank you for the greeting. How are you na?