A Trip Down Memory Lane (CHS Class 75)

Last Sunday was my usual care-giving day for my Ate May(this is Nina writing for Ate. I would usually feed her first with breakfast that i brought either from my own kitchen or from a restaurant. She finished her breakfast quickly because she said she has something to tell me. With her advanced ALS, it is really a challenge to understand every word she is saying so from time to time I would use an alphabet board so she can spell out the words and I would just guess the thought and so communication becomes successful. It could be frustrating at times too. This is her story...

Last Friday, December 10,2010, a few classmates from Caloocan High School were having a reunion at their Alma Mater and about eight of them visited with Marissa Nario as their guide. Marissa visited her several times before. One of them, Ven Cam, told my Ate that he fondly remembers that she was very good in English. In fact she made it to the top ten in a school-wide essay writing contest and she was number eight.(The usual population for each year level is around 1000 students) My Ate was shocked because she thought that she did not do well in that contest, and she remembered vividly the topic was Pollution and she chose to write on "Smoke Belching". This was 1975, where there were few jeepneys and we usually walk to school. She just accepted the thought that she was probably bad in English and did poorly in the contest, only to find out 35 years later, with the help of some kind batchmates who included her in their 35th anniversary reunion, that she did well.

Oh what reunions could do. It brought smiles on her face, not that they matter so much now, but I guess it does.

Thanks to you CHS batch 75 for expressing your love to Ate May, Ate May and our family appreciate you all.