A few years back, we all agreed upon having the house renovated. With eight human beings and two dogs around, the space felt incapable of simultaneously accommodating ten busy lives. After laying our ideas on the table, it became evident we each had different perceptions as to how the new house should look. Obviously, we could not afford to have everything, so we decided to just take whatever we wanted from the separate schemes and collate it into one cohesive design. Having finalized the plan, we gradually had to clear portions of the house to give way for construction. The whole process nearly was comparable to packing five sardines into a small jar, except in our case, double the number. I can't even recall how we managed to survive breathing in a dust-filled shelter for a few months, especially when every single month seemed like an endless year.
Today is my Father's birthday. I wasn't able to spend the day with him since we had a group meeting regarding our case study, which is due tomorrow. Brian was also out of the house taking care of all the necessary requirements for his graduate studies abroad. Roy was working hard for the money in the printing press. That leaves my Mom, Dad, the dogs and house helpers in the residence. Over breakfast, I heard my Mom suggesting they should go and have lunch somewhere, but my Dad declined, saying that he didn't have money in the first place. With no intentions of having a celebration, my Dad spent the day slouched in the entertainment room, clicking the remote control on one hand, and combing the dog's hair with the other.
Dinner was the only time we all got to sit down together and have a decent conversation. There were in fact a lot to talk about. First is the much-awaited announcement of Brian's acceptance in the University of San Francisco. He is set to leave in the middle of August, just in time for the fall school season. According to my Auntie, if we smoothly handle the interview and medical check-up administered by the US Embassy, my parents and I would be following Brian more or less by the end of the year. Finally, we received news that the condominium is anticipated to be ready for Roy and Dianne's occupancy this January. With all these happening in such a short span of time, we can't help but think of what's going to happen to the house, as soon as we all have to depart.
It's pretty overwhelming if you ask me. At the very least, I smile at the fact that we're not afraid to move forward and expand our horizon, and that we didn't allow ourselves to be boxed in along the way.
There's nothing to fret about, really. The door is always open.
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