I have no idea how many times I’ve been to the Philippines, actually. I know my first visit was before my first birthday. I know when I was six I spiked a pretty high fever at a hotel in Dagupan. On another visit, I pretty much watched Cartoon Network in the room the whole day and loved it. If I were to guess, this most recent visit is something like number 10 or 12 for me.
I didn’t think much of those recurring visits while we were doing them. Just something that our family did. But I appreciate them so much more looking back. I realize most Filipino-Americans did not grow up with the same level of proximity to the motherland that I got, and I treasure it.
My kids are an extra generation removed from their ancestors who lived on the islands. But I don’t want to miss my shot to give them what I got growing up. Proximity in spite of the distance. Here’s hoping homegoings can serve as chapter markers in their lives as well.