When we first migrated to the US, I had just graduated 7th grade. I found the thought of traveling and moving to the US exciting (thank God for being naïve). My world suddenly opened up and growing up was fast. Thanks to my parents and siblings, I never felt alone in trying to adjust to the new world.
I hate to admit this but, I was enjoying my new life in the US. It allowed me to re-invent myself and forced our family to form a strong bond that will last the rest of our lives. Of course the first few years were tough financially, but my parents always made sure we had everything we needed and we learned to appreciate what we had. I can’t speak for Ate but, one of my treasured childhood memories is when we shared not only a room but a SINGLE bed between the 2 of us. We made a great team when it was time to cleaning up our room—we hid everything in our closet. The pile got to be taller than either of us. When we couldn’t fit anymore clothes in the closet, our bed suddenly rose up a few inches. PARENTS DON’T FRET…IF YOUR KIDS DO THIS NOW—THEY’LL OUTGROW IT.
I remember my first major culture shock, attending a coed public school. The sheltered and uniformed world of Assumption was gone. I found myself in a class with not only males but all sorts of people from different religious backgrounds and color. It’s true about the young being able to adjust quicker—I never had problems finding good friends in school – of course moving into a block where you’re surrounded by fellow Filipinos helped immensely. The Velez family was a God-send every step of the way…they still are!
Even with all the new things going on in my life then, I still missed all the cousins. Whenever I felt alone and depressed, I would remember the fact that I was once (and still is) a part of something special. I would use that feeling of security to help push me on. This I remember so clearly—having to call on my memories in the compound and feeling warm and fuzzy in the inside. I think for a child, this the most important thing.
yoy
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4 comments:
thanks for sharing, mayoy. we are lucky to have known your house in rahway. i am sure it held many nice memories!
Mayoy, you were such a big help during my stay in NY. You, Robbie, Teng, Kit and Ched, Lia and Mon and Cente were such a joy to be with. I always looked forward to weekends in NJ.
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