The first time I set foot in Winnipeg, I was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. At last, I was permanently reunited with my mother after nine long years. Although I was anxious to leave my dear Ronald behind in the Philippines, my motherly instincts kicked in and I knew that it would be best for our unborn child if I went ahead to seek for greener pastures abroad.
On a chilly September midnight in 1989, Mama and her friends welcomed me with warm hugs at the Winnipeg International Airport. I didn't have time to worry missing my friends in the Philippines. Mama's friends embraced me and my huge belly as if I belonged to their family. I suddenly gained a lot of ATEs in just one night.
They gave me a baby shower shortly after I arrived and they have become a big part of my life and Reggie's during our first few years here in Winnipeg. Although I don't see them that often now, we occasionally bump into each other in bus stops, shopping malls, churches, birthday parties, even a funeral (that of Ate Bing's) and other family gatherings.
