Apong Leon

I become a bit introspective when my life gets in a state of disorder. I am trying to do too many things at once as I prepare to move out of Germany; I am excited and yet anxious about my move and new job in Abu Dhabi; and I have had a wake up call about my health situation, nothing serious I am happy to say, but definitely it requires some drastic change on my eating habits and getting a bit more active. Somehow, my grandfather, Apong Leon has been on my mind a lot.

I barely knew my grandfather on my mother’s side. Apong Leon passed away in the early 1970's. My memories of him were from the frequent visits to our grandparents’ house. Their house was in the town of Cuyapo, and our house was in a rural village outside of town. Since the town was where everything happened – the market, city hall, doctors, etc, we would always stop by my grandparents’ house after we finished whatever we had to do in town. My grandma would offer treats or meals, during out visit, but she was always busy doing all the countless chores that she had to do. My grandfather, Apong Leon, would beckon me to come over. I distinctly remember him sitting on a wooden chair. He would ask me to give him a big hug and a kiss on his cheeks. I hated doing this because he would always have the stubbliest whiskers on his face. As a kid, it felt almost painful to feel his stubbles against my face. Afterward, he would put me on his lap and talk to me. He would ask me all these questions, genuinely wanting to know me and how I was doing. Since I was still a kid, he would also ask silly questions that made me laugh. He took the time to talk to me. But I was always in no mood to talk. I wanted to be with all the other kids playing outside. It seemed like all our visits started this way. Visiting the big town was always fun for me; my requisite time with Apong Leon was always the most tedious part.

What I would give to be able to hug my Apong Leon now and talk to him. I would want to know all about him. I would definitely listen attentively as he tells me all his life experiences. I would gladly tell him about my experience in America and how it is much more different than the Philippines. I would describe to him the wonderful places I have been all over the world. Sadly, this will not ever happen because he is no longer with us.

My eyes well up as I write this post. The thought of my grandfather, who I barely knew but took the time and effort to spend time with one of his grandkids and whose heartfelt demonstration of love that I did not pay attention to, provides me great comfort during trying times.