Ilaw

I spent a relaxing Friday afternoon sprawled in bed, watching a movie with Mama and Ex. I love these quiet, homey times with Mama. Mama has been with us for six days now and the change in our house is drastic, to say the least. Our alarming pile of dirty laundry is gone. We had proper, nourishing, home-cooked meals. We even bought a nice orange divan for the sala. Mama bought me a blue dress and a huge bag for hospital duty. And, to top it off, Mama upgraded our internet subscription!

I am reminded of the Filipino phrase, "Ilaw ng Tahanan." Mothers are the best!

It feels lonely, now that Mama had to go back home. The house is quiet, with none of the bustle of a functioning household. In two days time, the house would go back to its usual state of neglect. The dirty dishes will start piling up on the sink. All the beds will be unmade. The refrigerator will be empty. The alarming pile of laundry will start to appear. And each of us will go our own separate ways, minding our own separate business, occasionally bickering about who will do the dishes or go to the grocery.

As the eldest, I suppose I should step up on the role of mother. But I'm just too exhausted. And yes, I confess, apparently too lazy and irresponsible.

We get along as best as we could, though. And our arrangements work for us. Or rather, we are just kind of holding it together until Mama comes again to visit.