Dear Leroy

Leroy’s getting married on Saturday, the 13th of December so I’m writing him this letter.


Dear Leroy,

I’m happy for you and I will forever be. I know that this is all you’ve longed for – a family life. Alam mo naman siguro na ako ang number one fan mo and I’d be more than happy to see you walk down the aisle and start a new life with the love of your life, Belle. Sooner or later, madadagdagan na naman ang headaches nina mommy and daddy pag nagka anak ka na.Kiddin’.

This sounds a little bit selfish but I know you’ll understand. Part of me wanted to let go of you but another wanted to hold on. You’ve always been a good (I say better) brother to me.I can’t even recall how many countless times you’ve shielded me from the harsh world. Ikaw rin ang unang natutuwa sa kung ano mang maliit o malaking achievements ang nagawa ko at ikaw rin unang taong nagtatanggol sa akin.

Naalala ko nung bata tayo. Lahat ng bagay sabay tayo. Maligo, matulog, kumain. We even shared the same room and literally grew up together. We’re always a pair. Naalala ko kung paano natin asarin sina Ate Trish and Ate Daph. Lagi din tayong napagkakamalang kambal dahil lagi tayong parehas ng damit.Kahit sa anong laro magkakampi tayo.

Pag napapagalitan tayo nina daddy ikaw ang sumasalo sa akin kahit ako ang may kasalanan. Ikaw ang nag tuturo sakin sa mga assignments.”Isusubo mo na lang, ibibigay mo pa sa akin” would be an understatement. Without you I am nothing.

We share everything including secrets. Ikaw ang unang nakaalam na magiging daddy na ko, remember? Sobrang worried ako nun and I don’t know how to tell mom and dad pero sinabi mo na “everything will be alright”. Thank God, mom and dad understand me just like they always do. You’re the first one to comfort me during the darkest days of my life.

Idol nga kita sa lahat ng bagay. I know you’re not perfect but I always look up to you because you have strong sense of direction (which I don’t have), determination (I’m trying hard), great sense of humor (we both do, hehehe) and focus (I miserably failed on this). You are always the fine lad next door.

Ikaw din ang nagturo sa akin mag try mag yosi.Umamin ka! Ok lang yun, hindi naman tayo na hook at hindi naman nalaman nina mommy and daddy yun (dito pa lang). Ikaw rin nag yaya sakin nun manood ng XXX betamax tape. Ikaw din ang may kasalanan nung isang beses na umuwi tayong lasing na lasing. Nawala ang lasing natin nun sa galit ni daddy.

I know things will never be the same again.Kahit sa bahay muna kayo titira pansamantala, alam ko mag iiba na lahat. Ofcourse hindi na ko pwedeng matulog sa kwarto mo or pumasok anytime I want to. Mahirap na, hehehe.

Mababawasan na siguro yung time natin together. Ung mga walang tulugan/talk-athon natin, the late night TV marathon, drinking session and some bashing moments.

But thinking twice, OK na rin kasi hindi na ako ang magiging taga tikim ng mga recipes na niluluto or bine bake mo pag hindi masarap.Hehehe.Joke lang.

You know what, I think I will never be the same me. I will look the same outside, but deep inside, I don’t think so. But because you’ve taught me everything I needed to know and learn, I know I will be strong. Afterall, we’re just a wall apart. I know you will still be there for me. Needless to say, I will always be here for you, alam kong alam mo yan. Remember, we’re a pair!

So after 32 years of being single and worry free, here you are, about to start a new life. I can only hope for the best. You deserve every single blessing from God above.

I wish you and Belle good health, content life and a well bonded family.

I will still be the brother and bestfriend that you are to me.


Love,
Bunso