September’s Surprises

Surprise #1:  Alleluia moment

One night last week, my eldest son came home from school rather early and the seven of us sat down to dinner together. It was the first time since classes opened in June that we were all present at the dining table. Thank you, Lord, for the precious time we shared during that meal.

Surprise #2:  Sharing the burden

My most trusted household help was unable to work for the past month or so. To ease my workload, the hubby and sons came to my rescue. Every night, my sons take turns at washing, drying and putting away the dinner plates, cutlery and glasses while the hubby cleans the table and  takes out the trash. Me? I load the whites in the washer and soak these overnight.

Surprise #3:  Aspiring pianist

My youngest son is participating in his school’s piano competition. Since another classmate decided to join, too, their adviser is planning a showdown to choose who would represent their grade level.  I hope and pray they’ll both do their best in the showdown and may the best pianist win.

Surprise #4:  Breaking free

I met with my son’s adviser in high school 2 weeks ago.  She gladly reported that my fourth son has overcome his shyness and has been participating in class recitations.  What’s more his classmates has come to realize that behind his quiet demeanor is a great sense of humor.  The hubby and I are happy that  he has adjusted well.

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How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

I’ve had a stream of kasambahays coming in and going out of our home for the past two years.  Some stayed for a month or two, a few weeks, a few days, and a few hours (would you believe?)   I welcomed and said goodbye to  2 Joys, 2 Jennifers, a Jean,  a Maricel, a Gina, an Inday and a Tata.  Except for one or two who left on their own accord, the remainder I sent off for various reasons.

Joy #1 poked her nose until it bled and ate too many bananas until she puked.  Unknowingly, I sent her to bed thinking she was sick.  She stayed in her room for several days while I labored in the kitchen.  At mealtimes, I sent food to her room.  Finally, I realized that she was just plain lazy  and so, I sent her off packing.

Joy #2 didn’t tell me that she was already 3-4 months pregnant when she worked for us.  She diligently scrubbed the floor in our living room, dining room and den EVERYDAY until it shone like a mirror!  When I learned of her condition a month later, I realized that her obsession with the scrub had something to do with the baby in her womb.

Gina wet her bed every night until her room stank.  Inday and Tata were like Siamese twins.  They didn’t want to separate while doing their individual household chores.  One stood guard while the other worked and vice versa.  I wondered, really really wondered why they had to guard each other.  Naturally they didn’t accomplish much.  Jean had scabies and lied through her teeth.  Jennifer #1 looked like my Papa’s girlfriend in his youth.  Mama kept giving her dagger looks.  Jennifer #2 wanted to be my Mama’s caregiver, not the house help.  When she didn’t get her way, she concocted a story of having to fly to Singapore (?!?) ASAP to care for her classmate’s grandmother.  After hearing that, I showed her the door.  The length of her stay?  A couple of hours.

There came a point when I turned down recommendations of friends because I decided I’d rather clean, cook, wash, keep house myself.  Anyway, I have a reliable stay-out kasambahay who reports thrice a week and a laundrywoman who does the ironing.  This arrangement lasted for a week or two.  Tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and grumpiness set in.  I had other things to do and deadlines to meet.  The younger children, my 2nd batch, had so many projects that needed a mother’s touch.  The husband needed a wife by his side at bedtime.  I needed time for myself.

I prepared myself anew for the vicious cycle of letting in and letting go.  However, God in His goodness, must have heard my prayers.  Lingling has been with us since April this year and I thank God for her.  She has her faults (but who hasn’t?)  However, her diligence and quiet ways tip the balance in her favor.  I’d be at a loss if she leaves.  This post wouldn’t have been possible without her presence in my life.  Thanks, Lingling.

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