Mama, Would It Have Been Better If You Were Here?
I'm a grown man now than I was when you left me. Yes, I did some foolish things throughout those times, things you warned me not to do. I've done some things that irritated Papa as well. I've been a poor model to my younger brothers. I remember Lolo hitting me hard with a slipper because of my stubborn attitude, and yes, I deserved it. Yet, I always find myself asking, “Would it have been better if you were here?” I've also learned how to use my fingers to measure water when cooking rice. And, believe it or not, I once won a small lottery game in our hometown that you enjoyed playing. The process of determining the three winning numbers was extremely hilarious. I've also experienced heartbreak in romance; I wonder if you would have counseled me or laughed at my silly pursuits. I still remember how we used to ride in a jeepney while the rest of our family rode in an air-conditioned taxi because I get dizzy and vomit easily in those types of vehicles. But you'd be
