Sabado de Gloria: Ian’s Day

We celebrated Ian’s birthday quietly. He wanted to invite some of his friends in the house, but all of them were on outing with their families (the downside of having birthdays on holidays). Ian didn’t mind, and he was just thrilled that there were so many friends who greeted him on his birthday. His cellphone was beeping every 5 minutes!

When I woke up, I immediately went to him, kissed him on the cheeks, and greeted him a happy birthday. I then asked him what he wanted for his birthday, and he said, “Really? You have no gift for me yet?” I felt a little regretful I hadn’t bought anything for him Monday that week, but his favorite T-shirt shop wasn’t available in our province. And I was right! He wanted a shirt from Artwork, green or gray. I gave him a red Artwork shirt for his birthday last year, and it was his favorite. I know it’s late, but I’m still hunting for the best shirt for him. hehe.

Out of all the kids, he is the one whom I really saw grow up. I was the one who gave his name, as per Tito’s request (I was his favorite among his pamangkins). He and his parents lived in a house within our compound when he was born, the firstborn of his mom and dad. When he was still a toddler, his parents moved out and planned to make it on their own, i.e., work, have a house, etc. For some reason, they wanted Lola to raise Ian, and Lola gladly accepted this very, very cute little boy.

I was in Grade 5 when he was born. When I get home from school, I go to their house and just play with him. Being an only child, I am so excited to see a baby at home. Kuyang, Tootie, and I are almost of the same age, so Ian was the first baby I know. I didn’t help feed him or change his diaper. I was very much a child myself then (until now?), and all I wanted was to see him, maybe stay with him for a while. I even sleepover at their house a few times so I can be with him longer. He was so irresistible. Really.

I saw his first steps, and I was so excited. I was holding him in his waist while his father was across the room calling him to come. After a few steps, he still thought I was holding him! But he was walking on his own! Then, I’d clap and say, “yehey! yehey!” repeatedly so that he’d also clap hard and smile that sweet smile, and he wouldn’t notice he was still standing on his own. Yeah, we tricked him. hehe. And now he can very much walk on his own, go out with friends, and attend a prom. Time flies. Hay.

I promised his father when I was still in elementary that I’d send him to college. I actually thought I’d be successful by that time. He’d be a senior in high school this June, and I haven’t had the slightest idea where to get his tuition. Would they hold my words, words of a child, against me? hehe. Seriously, I wanted to sponsor his college education then, and I still want to now. I just don’t know how to yet.

It was a quiet April 11. No birthday cake. No candle. No visitors. Just immediate family members. My mom cooked her famous spaghetti, and Tito brought two bilaos of arroz valenciana (rice casserole). Surprisingly, Ian didn’t complain; normally, he would. hehe. In the afternoon, Ian and I went to our city’s dambana, instead of going to the city cathedral. Dambana was farther but quieter. The air was more serene, and the place was more solemn. We prayed for a while and went home. We spent the day watching DVDs and just bumming out.

But as I don’t want his birthday to end just like that, I again planned another impulsive outing the next day just for him. hehe.

   Ian and Lola last December (Lola’s boy, indeed!)

 Happy with your new toy?

I have a picture just like this one. We took it while we were at Comic Alley,

but we didn’t buy the mask hehe .

Behind is the big Christmas tree in MOA.

He’d kill me if he found out I posted his totoy picture!