paalam po, mama jun

My Nanay called me up a while ago. Her words brought a lump in my throat.

"Neng, bumitaw na ang Mama Jun mo."

Mama Jun is Nanay's brother, her remaining sibling by her parents (she has a half sister by her father). Nanay is the eldest of four and her brothers Mama Boy and Mama Remie passed away years ago. Mama Jun came home to the Philippines just last month and on the day he left for the US, he requested Nanay to cook for him. That would be an unforgettable day.

She narrated the details of his death. As her voice cracked, in my mind, I saw her cry . It broke my heart, and amidst busyness, I cried too.