Kiddie Edition

When I was around nine, I was on track to fend on my younger siblings while my parents were off with their studies and/or work. At that young age, I discovered how was to be a home-maker and a nanny rolled into one. I had seen Mom do the dusting, laundry, cooking and keeping our home so I at least had extracted tips to start with once left with my siblings at home. Before Mom and Dad set to work, they saw to it we were done with our first meal of the day. For how many summers, my parents were on constant search and reserving rooms for the summer classes. We experienced a room that catered as our dining, bedroom and living room that was for me to maintain.  Pick on the caked poop on the floor. Spoon feeding my sibs Cerelac® when they cry hunger. Lull them to sleep on mid-day. Change soiled shorts, nay diapers. Wash, pat and dress them. Add of course were extra errands like fetching water for the drum or bring in the clothes hang to dry on the clothesline. The memory of my baby sib dipped in mud by the spring lingers clearly when he slipped off my grip while bathing.  See what stakes were in for my parents to chase dreams after marriage. But those were part of our lives. That was my pre-touch of people years my junior. Kids bring curves to my lips when I see them. Their innocent haughtiness and naughtiness are a diversion of the tired minds. Blood-related or not, I can not have enough cuddles of the little ones. When my cousins gave birth to their own kind, I witnessed their firsts – yawn, fart, tears and scars. 

A college friend who mothered a bright kid named Kim after the combination of her name and the father was an instant playmate right at first meeting.

 Now at work, here are two boys reminding me my youth days and every other’s for their vibrant energy that seem to never drain.