LAST Saturday, September 4, 2021,, I felt very exhausted, so tired, like I cannot get out of bed after a week of online teaching. I have a severe headache, and I feel nauseated. But my husband Rey insisted and assisted me in going to the dining room to join the whole family for supper. In my mind, I said I will just take my medicines and stay for a while.
Then my eyes were set on my kids, very excited to eat. I knew that Rey cooked their favorite "nilagang baka" and honestly the smell of it is so enticing but then again, my mind, body, and soul are just so exhausted, and I just cannot stay long.
But when I was about to tell them I need to go to my room because I am so dizzy, my youngest Macoy talked about his schooling. He said, "Brilliant man ako Mama. I always answer my teachers' questions during class.” And then my eldest Bea teased Macoy, “Yes, sometimes hindi na nga siya tinatawag kasi annoying na.” And following that were so many funny stories about Macoys being so proud, excelling in Araling Panlipunan and Christian Living Education, and that this will be his edge to becoming an Engineer someday – very innocent.
Following that, I heard boisterous laughter from my kids. I saw them teasing each other, and they were so happy. I saw in their eyes the connection of love and affection and in their smiles the strong bond that forever they will be brothers and sisters through ups and downs. Then I remembered that I needed to go back to my room and sleep to regain energy.
But then I felt energized -- the tired eyes, painful limbs, and headaches were all gone. And when I looked at the clock, I realized that I was still at the table and was eating. And oh my, I did not know that it was already more than 45 minutes that I spent time with my family just listening to their stories and looking at their happy faces.
With this, I have realized that no matter how tired we are or in distress, just the presence of our loved ones can entirely change our body responses. Seeing the smiles and hearing our children's laughter can automatically heal our tired minds, bodies, and spirits. Indeed, the soul can be healed by being with our children.
And so, I am saying that there is something not only healing but so magical about sharing family time at the dinner table. When all the family members sit down together, they may review or talk about how their day was. And this is going to help the family to develop and maintain connection and communication.
Many times, I have heard my late father said “Sabay sabay dapat tayong kumakain. Sa gabi na lang nga tayo kumpleto.” And I would always not understand, especially when I am busy with my homework. But now, my dad's words make sense to me.
Honestly, looking back, I cannot anymore remember what we have eaten but the memories of being together, I do not see them fading.
So now, no matter how tired I am, I should get up from bed and eat supper with my family together.