To Hendrich on His 9th Birthday

Dear Hendrich,

Today is your birthday.  You have been enriching our lives with your charm for nine years.  All nine years were filled with the fondest of memories, mostly happy and funny.  I can still remember the story when your mom was already into labor but she just had to pass by Jollibee and eat an order of two-piece Chickenjoy.  I remember seeing you for the first time, all small and fragile. I was the one who suggested to spell your name as "Hendrich" because "Hendrick" sounded a little tad jologs.

I remember when a few days into your life we would drum your cheeks with the tips of our fingers and say "Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa" because that made you smile. 

We used to dress you in different cotton sandos. There was Big Catch, NASA-Air, Bug’s Life, and Jologs and we would take your little fists and drum them on your tummy as we say the name of the t-shirt.  You would laugh every time.

I remember the sleepless nights when I rocked you to sleep because your mom was on the night shift.  We were like dancing cheek to cheek as I sway you in my arms to the tune of your breathing.  For such a little baby, you snored. 

I remember the two times you were hospitalized for illness.  Broke my heart.  Imagine what that did to your mom.  

I can still recall your first steps.  How your mom used to let you go and you wobbly run into my arms.  We were like ninnies watching your every move. We even watch you sleep.

I can still remember your first birthday when you were a little afraid of Grimace and that you slept through half of the party. 

I used to worry in your early years because you hardly spoke in complete words.  I didn’t know you’d be so talkative, you sometimes wear me out.

I’m glad you were there during some important times of my life like my graduation from law school and the last Sunday of the Bar exams. 

I remember that you were once obsessed with elevators, then the MRT, until you began your current love affair with airplanes.  

I’m so happy that even if I’m not your mom and that I did not contribute anything to your genetic make-up, you still take quite a number of traits after me like your chin and your penchant for drawing.

I am so glad I get to be your aunt. You brighten my day with your hugs and kisses. You have the power to make a tiring day go away. You’re such a sweet, sweet boy.

You may not know this, but our relationship is the closest thing to motherhood for me. 

How many times I say it, indeed time flies.  You’re really growing up right before my eyes.  I’m so happy I get to witness that every single day. I’m looking forward to seeing you grow older, even if it means  I get to age in the process. 

And so to my beloved Pamangkin, the one child I am totally crazy about, happy birthday! You are very much loved.

Hugs and Kisses,

Auntie Mcbeal