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HOMECOMING
(By: Federico Rae V. Nagtalon*)
The thought of coming home is more often than not characterized by an elated and
unexplained feeling to any person who is looking forward of experience such. Working away
from home is painful most of the time. Still, homecoming serves as the only refuge.
Every now and then, when the schedule for vacation is posted or announced, it makes the heart
palpitate even faster for the thought of being with the company of those we dearly cherish
will soon be a crystal clear reality. It mesmerizes the heart and makes the mind ponder on the
things that ought to be done and the mystery of what lies ahead.
Whether it is summer, spring, winter or fall, the time factor does not really matter that much. What really counts is the reality of being home again in the warm and comforting arms of our family and loved ones.
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When such scenario strikes, nostalgia rules our memories. The green and verdant
rice fields on the Vintar- Laoag City road which is covered with golden beads of
grains waiting to be harvested in order to sustain old and new life anew, taunts
everyone who drives along its path.
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The clean Bislak River saturated with stoic pebbles refreshes the mind and
effortlessly brings a smile to the melancholic faces of those who pass by.
The “bukto”, “pallileng”, “birabid and “paltat” that freely inhabit the area really make us smile.
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Upon reaching “bordo”, our hearts ponder more, as in just a few minutes or two, we will
see the welcoming arch that completes our homecoming.
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The thought of coming home surely titillates the mind as one prepares for the much
awaited flight that will take us back to our roots and the day of reckoning will be at hand soon.
The peculiar ambience of happiness will surely drown the air for once in every year or two,
the rude awakening reality will tell us right in our face that home is where our truly belongs.
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Vintar is our home and our hearts will always be there.
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(Consolation Prize, ABS-CBN Interactive International Essay Writing Contest, Buhay OFW, May 10, 2000).
* Chief Nurse, King Saud University College of Dentistry, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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