My Tough SONshine at Age Four

It all happened a year ago, on August 31 to October 17, 2020 to be exact. The last story I shared was about me and Baby Brentt. This time, I am going to share and speak in behalf of my son, my first-born Lester. He is a very sweet and sensitive boy. He loves to play with toys, lots of toys. Smile is his best asset I say and yes, he is very clingy to me.

As a mother I know it was a tough journey for him too. A child is supposed to play and have fun, but him at the age four he experienced loneliness, misery, and grieve. I was helpless, I cannot turn my body in two pieces to attend them both. I left Lester under the care of my husband’s mother, his grandma. While I am at the hospital. Because of the pandemic and for safety reason I was instructed to stay in the hospital and not allowed to go home which is approximately 3-4 hours travel from city to province and not to expose with other people. My daily route is Pediatric ICU and my room during bedtime.

Because of this, I see to it to give a ring or do video call every night. However, during our call, I see Lester crying saying “mingaw ko nimo Mama Nin (I missed you Mama Nin)”. How it breaks my heart. “Wala ko Mama, lingi-lingi ko sa window, wala pa ka. Sad jud ko dire (I don’t have mother. I’ve been looking at the window yet you didn’t come. I am sad here)”.

When time came that we’re home together with Baby Brentt, he was very happy and hugged me tightly. Then asked why is there a big box (referring to the casket) and asked again where is Baby Brentt? In his young mind he is aware he is now a big brother. At the age of four he is aware of his responsibility, he became an instant mature at the moment especially when we were apart. He learned to stand on his own tiny feet. And before I answered his questions he asked again which somehow tore my heart. “Ma, anha ra siya sleep, dili sa bed? Mother, baby will sleep in there, not in our bed?” I know in Lester’s heart he loved his baby brother so much.

That challenged happened last year 2020 that is why when his birthday was approaching this year (March 27, 2021), Lester requested to go to pool, beach, to swim and have fun. Though were still struggling financially with our promissory hospital bill last year, my husband and I believe that we should grant our son’s birthday wish. We did it simply but for sure we made our son happy. His fourth birthday was a success.