PPBC #4: A LOVE STORY--THE HALIGILET KIND

I firmly believe that the bond between parent and child is one of the strongest connections in nature. Romances come and go, but the bond between parent and child, blossoms, grows, and deepens through the years.

Our "love story" with our son began even before he was born. I remember that even with Haligilet in my womb, we already had grand plans of moving heaven and earth to give him the best that life could offer. We knew, even during the early stages of my pregnancy, that we were hooked--for life.

Apart from the clothes, toys and parties, Haligi and I made sure that we showered dear Haligilet with something priceless--our undying and unconditional love. These came in every form and figure--nappy changes in the wee hours of the morning, homecooked meals, walks in the park, road trips, drawing and doodle sessions, song and poem renditions, tickle time, bedtime stories, family prayers, "1-4-3"s in every imaginable dialect or language, and best of all, a bottomless pit of kisses and hugs.

We consider ourselves lucky that dear Haligilet is extremely generous with his reciprocal affection. Aside from the traditional "Mano po" gesture that my husband was born and raised with, Haligilet shows his love through his abundant supply of hugs and kisses. His look of adoration, the way he cuddles at night, the way he seeks us out in a crowd, the way he loves to talk to Mama or Dada on the phone, the way he giggles with glee during playtime with Dada or tickle time with Mama, the way he plays with his Mama's hair or pats his Dada's back even while he sleeps, are testaments of his very deep connection with us.

The most simple yet powerful statement of our son's love was the first time he sang the Barney Song. That was back in 2006, weeks shy of his 2nd birthday. On cue, he burst into song--"I Love You, You Love Me...We're a happy family..." to signify his love for me and Haligi. And for that, I will be forever indebted to that darn purple dinosaur. :D

EKS-OH-EKS-OH