Recharging my batteries

These days, we often refer to our gadgets when we say we need to charge or re-charge. I think "re-charging" is still a term used by a lot of people when referring to themselves needing some 'time out' or rest time or recovery period. I'm not sure the younger generations use it to refer to themselves. Perhaps its mostly people of my generation and closer to it especially if referring to one's 'batteries'. 

There was a time when I had my annual 'battery re-charging' in my father's hometown. That started when we accompanied Tatay on his almost annual homecoming, usually during the Holy Week. That was when most of our relatives also come home from elsewhere including those who were abroad. Their high school usually organized a homecoming every other year and Tatay seldomly skipped that. So it became a routine for me especially who didn't want to just stay home in Cainta. I recall a couple of times when I extended my stay there for a week or two since it was summer break from school anyway. I was already in high school then and could already take care of myself.

Later, when I was already working and had my own money, I continued my homecomings to Cabatuan even for just the Holy Week. That stopped only when I was in Japan for 3 years. I went back to my routine after my return in 1999. I can't remember when I stopped doing this personal pilgrimage (if you can term it that). Perhaps it was after I got married in 2002? When I became too busy for work? With family life? Or was it because of something else more personal that made me think twice about coming home?

In recent years, I have had the opportunity for some homecomings no matter how short these were. I have made it a point to at least hear Mass in Cabatuan and visit the cemetery before my flight home. I intend to do this whenever I can. I really miss close relatives but there seems to always be something more urgent o attend to.

Panoramic photo of the Molo Church, Iloilo City

I go back to Manila on Sunday but I feel like I already look forward to the next time I will be in Iloilo. I think I have rediscovered a way somehow to recharge my batteries here.

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