My parents left today. They’re going back to Papua New Guinea for their work.

They’ve done this many times before but I never can seem to get used to it. Years back, when they first brought us here to the Philippines and then they had to leave us here, we – my sister and I who were then 12 and 15 I think – would cry so much before they left. I’d try to swallow hard to prevent the tears from coming every time I saw my mother packing, I’d even leave quickly to go to school so I didn’t have to see her put stuff in her luggage; and yet, I would still find myself sobbing – before they leave and even more after they’ve gone inside the airport. They’ve done this so many times in the 7 years I’ve been here in the Philippines, and I still haven’t gotten used to it. Even if I’m already 19 and all, I still feel so lonely every time they leave. Is that the after effects of having grown in an empty house? I’m more mature now, I’m sure, but even if this is like, their 3rd time to leave in a year and knowing they’d be back in March (my brother’s graduation), I still feel like the first time they had to leave us here. It still doesn’t feel regular or like I’ve done it before. I try to tell myself that I wouldn’t cry that they’d be back in March and 2 months shouldn’t be that hard, but I just can’t help the fact that even in that 2 months, I’ll still be missing them. I already do and they haven’t even been away for more than 30 minutes. It’s so hard having to have parents away from you. The effects seem forever and I don’t actually know how to fix me – or it.

Being away from your parents makes you miss a lot of stuff, their guidance, their love, their help in problems; when your parents aren’t there, you won’t have stuff like that. You can grow up with a lot of problems – in commitment, loyalty, family, priorities and all that, because they’re not there for you. I don’t blame my parents, it is after all, for our own good that they have to go.

But to those who hate their parents, to those who wish their parents are gone, to those who disrespect and fool their parents; don’t take them for granted. Our parents are the people responsible for us and however disfunctional they may prove to be, you need them and they need you. Stop thinking that your parents are against you, there’s more to them than you realize; they’re human too and there’s more to their love than you realize.

So love them like there’s no tomorrow. Love them because they gave you life. Love them, because they care enough to do something for you. Love them, because they shout and scream at you every time you come home late or drunk. Love them, because in your worst times, they’re the only hands you can hold. Love them, not because they give you allowance and money, but because they live life for you.

Imagine living a life without someone to fight with over boys. Imagine a life without a father to hug on Father’s Day or a mother on Mother’s Day. Imagine a life without parents. It’s not easy and no matter how strong or matured you are, you owe your parents big time and unfortunately, not even billions of money can pay off the efforts of your years of growing up.

To my Mother and Father, I love you both so much. Have a safe trip to Papua New Guinea and call me. ^^