Exactly one year ago today, we left Manila to migrate to The Land Down Under - Sydney, Australia. I have written another blog a couple of days ago regarding my reflections on this part of our journey. Well, now on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I remembered the things that transpired on that day.
Everything was set. Our 2 big bags for check-in were labeled. Our 2 hand-carry suitcases were ready as well. My personal bag cum Liam's baby bag was ready, with all the important documents. Laptop bag? Check!
We ate lunch earlier than the usual. I felt everyone was trying to control their emotions, including us. Well, we cried the night before. It didn't help that we wrote Thank You cards to our parents the night before. We felt, at that time, that we made the wrong decision of leaving Manila, and leaving our parents behind. I think we felt that way because we watched The Case of Benjamin Button a few days ago. Well, we realized that we didn't want the time to come when we'll see how our parents have aged the next time we see them face to face. Well, thank you for technology. Every week, we get to chat with them and see them face to face. Even Liam knows them. And hopefully, by this year they get to visit us. So it's one worry that is way beyond us.
My family came. After double-checking everything. The whole family prayed-over us. And there it was, we were already on our way to the airport!
When we reached the airport, I thought that they were just going to drop us off. But there was a mix-up. After going down from my Papa's car, we kissed everyone goodbye and then we went inside to check-in. It was difficult to go inside considering the numerous security checks that we had to go through inside the airport. Well, as I've said, I was able to kiss goodbye to almost everyone except for my Papa and my sister-in-law. As soon as we got our bags, my Papa drove the car right away because as he explained it, it was 2-minute parking, for purposes of dropping-off the passengers. My sister-in-law on the other hand just came from her duty from the hospital (she is a doctor by profession).
When my Papa was informed that we already got inside the airport, he immediately texted me and told me to come out again with Liam because he still wanted to play with his apo. My sister-in-law also did the same. But since we were advised to check-in ealier to get better seats on the plane, my hubby and I just decided that it'll just be me and Liam who will go out again to see my Papa and my sister-in-law. There were a few tears that were shed. Everything happened so quickly.
Well, if we only knew that we would not get the seats we requested from Qantas, a few days ago, we could have spent more time with our family. Apparently, there were so many families, travelling with infants as well, that night.
Because of the rush and all the mental notes that I had in mind, it skipped my mind to give our Thank You cards to out parents. By the time I remembered it we were done with the last security check inside the airport. Oh well. We felt sad of course. So in the end, we texted them about the card and mailed it back when we got to Sydney.
As for our flight? Well, it's the longest flight I've ever had. Aside from the fact that we didn't get the best seats (the space we had was TOO cramped. It also didn't help that Liam was teething! So everytime he feeds, I end up being bitten! I was so dizzy doing most of the things -- trying to relax Liam when he felt uncomfortable (he didn't have a seat of his own yet, so all the time he was on my lap), assisting my hubby when he was too dizzy to do anything on the plane.I wasn't able to enjoy my food. I didn't enjoy that flight - physically and emotionally.
I felt so relieved when I heard the Captain announcing that we'll be landing in ten minutes. Even if we still had to deal with the very famous and very strict Australian Customs and Immigration, I felt good that finally that trip was over.
I am of course sad. We felt homesick as soon as we landed on Australian soil. But we have to move on. We had to move on, fo our son. Looking back, we made the right choice. We did close a door but we surely opened windows when we got here. It wasn't really a bed of roses when we arrived but hey, in a year's time, so much has happened! More good things than bad.
I now look forward to our next trip, this time our trip when we have to go and visit Manila. I can't wait to show Liam what is on the other side of the door we have closed, exactly one year ago.
