10 FAMILY IS ALWAYS FAMILY

Tony crying silently, as he was on the farm cultivating the cornfield with his carabao, a water buffalo. He missed his wife, who was lost due to the early manifestation of Alzheimer's. He has no news where is his wife who went to Japan again and to a new boss, but was lost in the market place when she forgot her way of going to the car who is waiting for them to go home after they buy all their needs. That's the last information they had with her as reported by Nancy from her new boss which she has served only for three weeks.

Ruthie matured early because she was helping taking care of his older brother who has down syndrome. She seems to be the "ate", the older sister. She is a responsible elementary student. She cries at times when she remembers her mother or misses her.

Paulo, grow healthy and intelligent in his situation. His down syndrome did not hinder him to draw excellent drawings, paintings, and illustrations. His disability was compensated with a genius in the graphical arts. He won contests and had contracts with some companies to make illustrations. Ruthie is his manager and the one who helps him communicate with his clients. Paulo supports His older brother Juan in high school and up to college. His talent was discovered early in elementary in an anonymous drawing and painting contest that he won a sack of rice and P10,000.00. They can't believe that he draw it that they repeat the contest and made the prize to P20,000 with a full scholarship to the art college. He won it again, painting in a live show filmed and broadcasted to a national TV. He got some companies as sponsors and the school foundation gave him a second scholar and a full supply for a year with art and painting materials. The city hall walls were painted with his paintings, and the city major walls in the center of the town are painted by him

While Juan is studying in high school, he also helps to buy materials like brushes, pencils, a medium, and paints to be used in Paulo's artworks. He also brings native chickens to the city which he buys on the farm during instances he goes home to visit his family and sell in the city when he goes back to school.

One time, Juan went home, he brought some Japanese ramen given by Jacky. They ate it and talked about the possibility that her friend will help to locate his Mom. His Dad Tony said: "Is this the family, that your mother served before?" "Yes, Papa" Juan replied.

"They are a good family, they have helped your Mom in spite of her situation after she had that accident that wounded her arm and she can't work so much in their house. They even send help that helped us buy this new farm because of what we saved in what they send monthly, it's your Mom who requested that they stop sending money because we will transfer residence and farm. Your Mom actually doesn't want to abuse them and to rely on other people is not her idea." Daddy Tony relates what he knows about their Mom.

"I don't know that, just now Dad," Juan said. "Me too", Ruthie said and Paulo nodded.

" I will send her a native chicken, please say thank you for me", Daddy Tony Tira said. "Also don't forget to send my regards to his parents, and tell her to thank them for me", Tony added.

This is the weekend that Juan went home to the farm that a dream is developing, to finish college, to find his Mom, and to see Japan.

Juan had an idea, he checked his cellphone, what if he will contact Jacky so his family could see her. Using Messenger he could make a video call. But he is a low bat and he needs the battery power before he could arrive in the city. So he said, next time, I will buy a power bank for this purpose. There is no electricity for the moment because the lines were destroyed by the typhoon. It will take three weeks to a month to finish the repair said the electric cooperative.

Juan texted Jacky before his cellphone goes lowbat:

How are you today? I want to tell you that in Japan, Nancy a friend and a far relative to my mother's side are helping me with my expenses and tuition, supplemented by the arts of Paulo. She was the one who introduces my mother why she had worked in your home as a Nanny before. You may contact her.

Jacky, My father said: "God is good no matter what, I still believe that our tears that we sow, will reap bountiful joy"

Send.

"Our chickens are healthy, our peanuts are growing good, and our corn is also to be harvested. I don't worry so much of money, I just miss your Mother, and I pray that God keeps her and that she is in good hands." Tony is saying as if praying and thanking God.

They gather in the sala with "salabat", a ginger tea, and popcorn. Then they talk about their dreams and plans. "Dad, I still don't have a fixed course to take this college, what can you advise me," Juan said.

Tony, just said: "Pray for God's guidance" I don't have so much knowledge to tell you what is best. I believe God will give you a good direction when the right time will come.

Ruthie suggested, my teacher said it's good to have mechanical engineering now, it is in demand to industrial plants and abroad especially Japan who is an industrial country.

"Wow! I don't expect you are listening carefully to your teacher Baby Ruthie..." Juan happily commented and teasing her.

" I hate you calling me baby Kuya, (Elder brother)"Ruthie said annoyed. "I'm not a baby anymore"

"You are forever my baby sister Ruthie, please don't resent it," Juan said.

"No! But because I love you Kuya, I am willing to suffer, calling me baby." Ruthie replied.

Everybody laughed!

Paulo silently is holding his pencil and scribbling in his drawing paper as he enjoys the conversation. Then he gives the drawing of us all in the sala having the bonding. Paulo said in a typical down syndrome manner of talking " Kuya(Elder brother) please put this in your wall in your boarding house so you will remember us always. I will give this also to your friend Jacky..."

Paulo gave me an envelope sealed, 12 inches by 10 inches. I don't have an idea what inside. I asked him, "No, I want it as a surprise, promise me that you will give it to Jacky as a thank you gift from our family." Paulo said.

We slept, but still, in bed, we sing our favorite, " Fly Me to the moon...."