Walk with My Mother

Happy Wednesday Hivers!

Since I started working in Cebu, I rarely get the chance to spend quality time with my mother. Our bonding moments only happen when she visits us in Cebu or when I go home to Leyte to see her. Because these moments are so few and far between, I always want to make our time together more meaningful by doing activities that will create lasting memories.

During my most recent visit, I made a special effort to join her in her morning routine, her daily walk. This is my entry for this week's #wednesdaywalk initiated by @tattoodjay

My mother’s alarm clock is always set for 5:00 AM sharp. That’s her regular wake-up time because she’s fully committed to her daily morning walk. Both my mother and father truly value their health, which is why they always make time for exercise.

When we stepped out onto the street, it was still very quiet and almost empty.

My mother usually goes walking at the elementary school since it has a large oval track. They even allow people to enter the school grounds early in the morning, so it’s the perfect place for her routine.

By the way, this is actually where I graduated from elementary school. While my mom continued her walk—since her daily goal is to complete 12 rounds around the oval—I kept myself busy looking around. This place holds so many childhood memories for me. In fact, it was here where I first learned how to ride a bicycle, which also means this is the same place where I got a lot of scratches and bruises from practicing.

I will never forget this flagpole. Back in elementary, once the bell rang at 5 PM, we would all race to see who could reach it first, because the winner got the chance to help fold the flag. Looking back, I realize I wasn’t really a shy kid during my elementary days—it was only when I reached high school that I started to become more reserved.

It was right on this stage where I first performed a folk dance back in Grade 3. Every time there was a school dance presentation, I would always join without hesitation. Luckily, my parents were always supportive of me, which made those moments even more special.

Did you know that this building used to be our school clinic? I actually have a funny memory there. One time, they were offering free dental cleaning, and when my name was called, I cried so hard because I was terrified. I held on tightly to my teacher and refused to let go. That was actually my very first dental cleaning. When I saw this building again, I couldn’t help but smile at the memory, even though I was just by myself.

After checking out the lower part of the school, I went up to the upper section. That’s where I saw my old Grade 3 classroom. I still remember my teacher back then—she was really strict. If you couldn’t answer her question, she would make you stand until you finally got it right.

I also passed by the garden, but I felt a bit disappointed. Back in our time, our garden used to look so nice—we even put fences on each side to make it stand out. We would go to school early just so we’d have time to take care of our plants. But now, the students hardly arrive before 7, and no one seems to be tending the garden anymore.

After checking around the surroundings, I went back to my mom at the oval. I was pretty sure by then she was almost done with her 12 rounds. There’s really something different about visiting a place filled with so many memories—it never fails to paint a smile on your face. And that was how I spent my morning walk with my mom. How about you, do you also go on walks with your mom?

Thank you for reading and see you on my next blog. Cheers!

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Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.

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