#143 Challenge: Let's Go For A Walk___A Walk Filled With Mixed Emotions

Hello everyone! May our day be filled with love and understanding despite the ups and downs that we've been through! Yes my dear hivers, life is full of mystery we cannot fathom why it happens at the most unexpected time.

The sad news
It was my eldest brother who informed me that our brother-in-law died in their hometown in San Fernando, Cebu and that his wife and 4 kids will be going home. Their kids were scattered in 4 different places to earn their living (California, Canada, UAE & Texas). Their dad died due to complications. I was shocked by the sad news because the last time we've seen each other was wayback in 1979 when I gave birth to our eldest daughter.

Even if I was not erring to my kids, I guess they've felt my uneasiness. Truth be told, my youngest son suggested that it's okay if I feel like going because it's the only chance that I will be seeing my siblings. He said that they will provide my round-trip tickets. Of course, I was overwhelmed that I will be with my siblings in their hour of bereavement.

Meeting new friend during my flight

When I boarded the plane, a beautiful lady sat beside me and we introduced each other, to find out later that she's a friend of my daughter's best friend's mother! Small world isn't it? We had a good chat and promised to get in touch with each other when we arrive to our destination to discuss some business opportunities at hand.:)

Reunited

My elder sister who came from Manila waited for me at the airport. Both our kids provided us the details of our flights so we could coordinate with each other at the airport. See that guys? It's heartwarming when our kids arranged everything for us for our convenience! That's the privilege of being a senior citizen.:) We haven't seen each other for over a decade that we talked as we walked along until we arrived to our destination!

Although it was a sad occasion, they were still happy to see us. The passing of their dad was untimely since their original house was undergoing a reconstruction so they opted to bring his remains to their rest house beside the sea. Despite the limited space inside, the prayer activity was more convenient outside since the vicinity is wider and exclusive for family use only.

The scenery by the sea would have been a perfect place to unwind but it's okay. Someday, we will when time permits for us to meet again. The kids planned to meet again upon their dad's first death anniversary next year.

Necrological Service and meeting my virtual friend in person

The necrological service took place last Saturday (Jan 28) @10:00 O'clock AM. Since this was the only time available for me to meet my virtual friend on hive namely @jurich60, we agreed to have a short meeting just to greet each other in person. Indeed, she came and we were both excited to see each other at last. We had a short chat, took some photos before bidding goodbye. I wish to meet more of my virtual friends in person given the chance.

All set: Time to Unwind After Sleepless nights
But something happened due to negligence

The 4 siblings decided to go somewhere for a "breather" and to unwind after sleepless nights from the hospital and during the 6 days vigil and that includes the whole family! They hired a big van to accommodate all of us and their own car. Our itinerary would be to go whale watching in Oslob then back to the historical Church of Boljoon to do site seeing. The last would be at SeaArgao to have our snacks while feeling the cool breeze of the sea!

Since it was a long travel, we set off early to see the feeding of the whale sharks so we can have a close up view of these "gentle giants". The driver opted to make a full tank so we won't run out of gasoline because it's Chinese holiday and some stores were closed. Afterwards, the gasoline boy uttered "Full Tank, diesel!". The driver was shocked right there and then. It was the wrong fuel! Our trip was delayed because they needed to make reports to the admin first. They need to drain the whole tank and send the car to their shop and wash the machine with gasoline for clean-up.

An Act of Kindness instead of wrath

Instead of getting mad,the wife of my nephew got worried when she saw that the gasoline boy was crying because he was only on 2 days training and he had already committed a great error and such negligence could lead him to immediate termination including paying for the damages. She was touched and pitied the gasoline boy. She said: "what will happen if he has mouths to feed?" She got money from her purse and secretly handed an amount equivalent to the wasted fuel. She told him to be more careful next time because customers could be unpredictable and he may lose his job. The gasoline boy wiped his tears and thanked her profusely!

It's a lesson learned for him that he will never forget in his lifetime.

Our Journey Continued

Since the car was emptied, another car was called to the rescue and we proceeded to our next target.

Trip to Boljoon

Our first route was the Escuela Catolica which was built in 1940.

The notice clearly says that going up is no longer allowed or closed to the public to preserve one of their most important treasures. My niece were the lucky ones to have seen the interior when it was not yet prohibited to the public. The structure defines the deep roots of the Spanish Colonization in the Philippines for more than 300 years!

The Boljoon Church

Though I am not a Catholic by religion, I can feel the sincerity of the devotees

The last is what's on the other side of the church. Beside the closed gate, there is an arrow saying the Holy Door. Sad to say, there was no one in-charge during that time because it's holiday to honor the Chinese New year.

It looks like a monastery to me. You can see the sturdiness of their architectural structures proven by the spance of time it has been there despite the sea breeze facing the edifices.

It was already late when we decided to leave this historical place which has been part of the Filipino heritage during the Spanish Colonization in the Philippines.

Stopover to quench our thirst @SeaArgao and short order @Alcoy Hotel

These are some of the things we've been into while taking a long road trip from San Fernando to the municipality of Boljoon. Indeed, we had a long walk and I, for one, would cherish this memorable moments with my siblings forever. That little act of kindness from my niece-in-law made me proud of her and I know that guy will never forget her generosity as well.

Back to reality

As I walked on the tarmac for my flight back to Bacolod, there is warmth and peace in my heart. I feel loved, happy and blessed.

Thank you @justinparke for this theme which was just on time of my long walk.:)
Thanks everyone for reaching this far. I really couldn't cut it because this is real.

Love,

@sarimanok