Were you aware that it was SIBLINGS Day last Saturday? Yes, aside from Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Valentines Day and Friendship Day, meron na ding Siblings Day. hehe.

Parang kelan lang when Che thoughtfully posted this on Facebook…

So this time, I will make it up to her and all our kapatids by dedicating this post to them. Warning though, this is a photo heavy blog!

To give you a context, our family dynamics is quite complicated. My parents separated when I was 6 or 7 yata. Up until now, I don’t really know the reason why they parted ways. And I never dared to ask na din kasi alam ko naman na knowing the story will not change the situation. Ok na din yun kasi atleast hindi ko kailangang pumili which side to believe. In fairness to my parents, I admire their respect kasi I never heard them blame or talk against the other (atleast to me). Siguro din they didn’t see the need for that because Che and I grew up without bitterness. We never questioned their separation. In short, dedma lang kami at tanggap namin right from the beginning 🙂 We were still raised naman in a happy home. We were always nurtured with love and kindness kaya we never felt broken.

When my parents started building their own families and later on introduced us to our half-siblings, Che & I didn’t really mind. Ang alam lang namin, may mga bago kaming kapatid (from both sides) and we loved them just the same. Again, no questions, no bitterness. The more, the merrier sabi nga nila! 😉

So now, as a tribute to my siblings, below are some old and recent pictures I gathered. Some of these, they may not remember anymore. Though we don’t catch-up as often, these photos are more than enough to remind me that I’m really blessed to be given the precious opportunity to be called their ATE.

Honestly, the fact that I don’t make the effort to see or talk to my siblings makes me feel guilty kasi I have too many of them tapos I take them for granted while there are other people who would trade anything just to experience how it is to have a sister or a brother.

I know how lonely it is to be an only child. My husband often wonders how his life would have turned out differently if he had siblings. Siguro daw hindi sya naging palabarkada. Siguro daw naging mas memorable ang childhood nya. He’s right. Kapag may kapatid ka kasi, may buddy ka 24/7. Hindi mo na kailangang lumabas ng bahay para may makausap. Good or bad, you have someone to share everything with. Kapag may kapatid ka, alam mo na someone will always protect and support you. There may be times when you annoy each other to death but you know that as long as you have them, life in this world will always be a lot easier.

So to my dear kapatids, if you’re reading this, please know that hindi man ako ang best ate in the world, mahal ko kayong lahat! And I hope someday makabawi ako sa inyo. Gasgas na ‘to, pero lagi nyong tatandaan na nandito lang ako lagi para sa inyo! mwah