2 LETTERS, CHRISTMAS SEASON OF ‘89
1. 2 Jan 89 (1:45 AM)
Dear Avi,
The New Year’s Day is over. It went by quietly with me. As I was only by myself, I did not prepare a midnight dinner. I just ate a full and regular supper.
In the early morning I walked halfway to school. It was cold. Midway, it snowed very lightly. I only stayed until 4:15 P.M. in school. I went home to watch a game on TV.
What about there at home? Did you light sparklers at the strike of the New Year? I suppose your Mama prepared a good midnight dinner.
Soon you’ll go back to school. I wish you gladness with your friends and teachers. Happy New Year!
Love,
DAD
2. 2 ENERO 89 (2 A. M.)
MAHAL KONG UCRON,
NALUNGKOT DIN AKO NANG SUMAPIT ANG BAGONG TAON. NAKAHIGA AKO NUON AT NAGBABASA. NARINIG KO ANG MARAMING PUTOK, SUNUD-SUNOD, SABAY-SABAY, AT MALALAKAS, SA MAY KALAYUAN. DITO SA ALDEN PARK TAHIMIK NUON. SUGURO ANG KARAMIHANG NAKATIRA AY LUMABAS AT NAGSAYA SA MGA HOTEL AT KAINAN. HININTO KO ANG AKING PAGBABASA AT INALAALA KO KAYO.
MASAYA BA ANG BAGON TAON DIYAN AT NAGHANDA BA KAYO? ANO ANG MGA PAGKAIN? MAY HIPON AT ALIMANGO BA?
MALAPIT KA NANG MAG-EKSAMEN. MAGPATURO KA KAY AVI’T XEN. ALAM KO, KAYANG-KAYA MO. PERO MAS KAYA MO, KUNG HANDANG-HANDA KA. TAMA BA AKO?
NAGMAMAHAL,
Daddy
[Avi was 7 years old at the time; Ucron, 6, which probably explains the all-caps and the language.]
October 28th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
How I can only wish that Dad were just abroad and that, come the holiday season, he would send us his heartfelt letters as he was wont to do. This season then need not be as painful.