Whenever I took Rafa to school, we would just ride a pedicab. That’s the beauty and practicality of having a school right within our neighborhood. This was my favorite part of our day. After the morning chaos of preparing for school, we could relax a little and enjoy the short ride. I love our conversations during our pedicab rides. He’d tell me what he was looking forward to in school. At times, when he brought a toy with him, he would be filled with excitement and the anticipation of showing it to his close friends.
In the afternoon, I’d pick him up from school. He loves playing taya-taya with his friends right after class. The school grounds would usually be filled with children’s laughter as they chase each other. I just watched them enjoy themselves and be little rascals until they were all hot and sweaty. Then the other parents would arrive and fetch them one by one.
Probably the best part of my day was when we were heading home. He’d eagerly tell me how his day went; what they did in school with their teacher, how his friends were nice to him, which classmates were being rude to him, or sometimes the one who got the most scolding for the day from their teacher. Sometimes he’d look disappointed; at times he’d be laughing as he recalled amusing details of his day at school. I’d be all ears and all smiles as we approached our gate.
For a working dad like me, moments like those are precious. I was grateful for the one-month break in between jobs. Given the chance (and the money), though, I’d always choose being with my kids. As a home-based dad for a month, I had my hands full. From feeding them (or making sure they ate), preparing them for school, helping them do their homework, and then preparing them for bed at night.
I was helping Rafa with his assignment early today, and I recalled our pedicab conversations. Things will never be the same for all of us tomorrow, so enjoy and take advantage of the little moments that we have with our loved ones today.
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