Letter for Ate Joy

April 21, 2017

To my dearest, Ate Joy,

Allow me to pur my heart out and be cheesy, since no choice ka naman. Today is the fulfilment of one of your dreams, your college graduation. I am humbled by the fact that a few months from now, the bunso will finally be entering "adulthood" (as they would like to call it), and yet, here I am - stuck with my earthly dreams and fantasies.

I would love to see you all dolled up for your big day, taking all the pictures and selfies that I can, seeing you march, hear your name getting called, seeing you get your diploma. But die to the harshness of destiny (PALE Atty R), I will not be able to do so. I know that you know how much I desire to be there and witness everything, but I also know that you understand... it's just that... I badly wanted to be there, and there's nothing that I can do. 

Beb, I can still remember that time when you entered St. James for your Kindergarten, in your braids and many baon, and how we used to accompany you to your classroom in the morning, and how I would eat your left over chocolate breads. 

Fast forward to high school, when you patiently waited outside my classroom, so that we could go home together. Honestly, that was the thing I was so sad about when I entered college... the fact that, there will be no (one) you to wait for me after a long and antagonizing day. 

But then, I survived. You survived college as well. In fact, here you are now, about to graduate in a few hours. Despite all the worries that you will be having a difficult time adjusting because of your innate introvertness (with that, I just would like to thank your friends, Allea, Bianca, Aira, and Eunice, I know that college was made fun and bearable because of them). 

I am proud that you've endured your course despite the heavy workload and all the stress in life. Today will be the beginning of another journey (haha, board). No pressure, just a few more hustle and you'll be done-done. 

I am sure your tatay is throwing a great feast today for you (may pa ice cream pa), for I know how happy he is for what you've accomplished, as well are for you. Beb, your tatay may not be there with you at the halls of Manila Hotel, but he's watching you... always. I may not also be there physically, but we'll be able to see each other soon - and that gives me great comfort. 

Soar high, my dear, for a great big world is waiting for you to be conquered. Congratulations on your graduation, I love you beb. 

Love, your number one, Ate Jassy