Un Beso De Despedida

I just can’t leave without saying: at least bye for now or ‘till we meet again.’ a conventional phrase we always say to people we’ve met and cared for. In another country like in Italy, Ciao o arrivederci is a common cliché in Spanish they always say, ‘hasta luego’ and in my own language, ‘hanggang sa muli’ As Filipino myself it’s a lovely thing. to have that courtesy before leaving; it’s an important gesture, an ethical manner at least to show a smile or word of thanks. I remember where I was assigned before, working with immigrants like those Italians; some Hispanics, Maltese, Irish and Sri Lankans, it’s a universal thing to say bye for now. Then another mission assignment came to my life, that’s a tough one working at the borderline that’s between El Paso and a city in Chihuahua Ciudad Juárez, a place where I lived with Mexicans. While I study and work at the same time there’s an element of joy and compassion I saw how these people like Mexicans struggled to live and coped with life. I really enjoyed my relationship with them I even developed my own sense of freedom to be creative and compassionate to them A real commitment, like a song to my ears. But when that time came that I ought to leave them, I couldn’t say a word but just a sweet smile, they understood right away that I’d stay no longer in our Casa del Migrante, a place of hospitality. As I was leaving my mission to face another role in another context, place and working relationship, some close friends and faithful followers, organized a party with music and camaraderie. And I still remember how they spoke about me saying in a chorus of voices: ‘we’ll miss you,’ that’s a moving experience that even now I recall those mem’ries so precious to me that I cherish them all in my heart. It’s a memorable scenario, a moment of joy with a cadence of notes unfolding – un beso de despedida! though in a short period of time