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See you later, alligator!

There's something about going up in the air. Some kind of high. I may have felt homesick watching the buildings grow smaller as the plane zoomed into space, but it's cool joy to welcome the normality of getting back to work.


Thursday my passport was sorted. Suddenly I didn't want to think of Bangkok. I packed wondering when I can come back home. But then it's wonderful to see the end of this stress so of course this one tops my faves for the week. There was one final thing I did before dealing with airports and immigration.


I went to see my old man.

Back in 2005 I defied sorrow that only death could pull off by glaring at it in my mind dry-eyed throughout the burial ceremony. How dare you snatch my father, you massive coronary! 

Fast forward to 2014. Holy Garden Matutum Memorial Park was breezy when we walked in. The kiddo insisted that his Tigger relaxed beside my anthuriums. It gets easier each year. Time does heal.  


Less than thirty-six hours later I flew back to life in the fast lane. And didn't I just love the legroom around my 1A seat!


It will be a year or two before I can have these delicacies again. I want to hold on to this memory one more time before facing cafe meals eaten hurriedly beside computers:  At church potluck Pastor Mandreza got busy pairing off widows and widowers. For the first time ever I didn't mind the banter over the possibility that my mother could marry again. Better yet, I didn't know what made me full: these coconut sport dessert and fern salad or the laughter galore.


Comments

  1. Sorry for you loss, I am sure you have lovely memories of your Dad! Have a happy week ahead!

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  2. My father left us forever -Jan 6th, 2012- while sleeping on his favorite sofa . He suffered a swollen heart symptom. Your post reminds me to visit my parent's graves soon. Thanks for this.

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  3. Lovely post ~ you have good memories ~ Great shot for SWF ~ xxx

    carol and artmusedog
    www.acreativeharbor.com

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  4. Such a beautifully touching post. Thank you!!! Cathy

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  5. lucky you. you get to go a home again. i've only been home, once, 15 years ago.

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  6. I'm sorry for the loss of your dad. My mom died suddenly of a heart attack a little over a year ago. It is still hard to fathom! But I know she is in God's hands. that food looks yummy!!! Have a happy valentine's Day. (do you celebrate that in Bangkok??)

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Faith, we celebrate Valentine's Day in Bangkok. It's a big thing here, causes traffic jam :)

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  7. Wishing you many memories of love and joy as the grief releases its grip day by day, year by year Hazel.

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  8. Your pictures were just lovely. Sounds like, all in all, it was a good trip. Have a good week ahead.

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  9. I smiled when I saw the Tiger beside the anthuriums, lovely contrast in colour and use.Both of my parents are gone now and the pain did subside for me as well. Although sometimes, during special moments, (like the birth of their 1st grand child) I feel their loss tremendously.

    So glad all was sorted out and that you had lots of leg room going back to Bangkok. Have a delightful next semester at school, Hazel.

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  10. Sorting out the passport problem must be on the top of the list because it is often a hug mess. I'm glad you have the opportunity to visit your father's grave and also to spend time with your mom.

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  11. Sounds like you had a nice break! Beautiful pictures! Have a blessed week!

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  12. Hi Hazel,

    It sounds as if you had a fulfilling time with your mom. I'm glad to hear that you took time for things important for you like visiting your father's grave and dining with your mom's friends. Thanks for sharing.

    Have a Happy Blue Monday!

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  13. Bukayo and pako salad? oooh, ages since I had them!
    happy to know that your passport has been sorted out (and you're back in the "fast lane" again)! though am sure you and your family don't like the necessary distance. Life. :)

    thanks so much for taking the time to share and link over at Food Friday, Hazel
    enjoy the rest of the week!

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  14. Your first photo was magnificent. I am very intrigued about the two foods - I have had fiddle head ferns before.

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  15. Time is doing a good job of heeling your wounds. It's a good thing and a good trip.

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