Meeting Uncle Pete

"She was a sight to behold; and she still is." This is what I remember Uncle Pete telling me, one sunny morning in May 2008. He was describing his wife, Auntie Baby, and as I listened, I couldn't help but smile. We were travelling with my mom, Auntie Baby, and other family members to visit Uncle Ben. My mother, Uncle Pete, and Uncle Ben are siblings, and Uncle Pete has an identical twin brother. Our destination was a good three-hour trip from Manila and we had plenty of time to catch up.

I met Uncle Pete, Auntie Baby, and the rest of his family for the first time at my cousin's wedding last May 10, 2008. He has three daughters and one son, Rommel. It was Rommel's wedding that we attended. (That day was not only special because of the occassion, but it was made extra memorable because that was the first social function that my Dad attended post stroke.) At the wedding, we got a glimpse of how Uncle Pete held his family together, not with iron fists but with gentle, loving and constant attention.

As we left the city, Uncle Pete told me about each one of his children and their experiences as a family. They used to be so poor. When their third child was still very young, there were moments when Uncle Pete would wake up with the child's face so close to his, while the child waited for him to awaken so she could ask for food to eat. There was nothing in the larder; they had no rice to cook; there was simply nothing to eat. During those moments, despite the flooded streets of Manila, my uncle would gather his best trousers, sell them to stores that accepted used clothing; and return home with 'pan de sal' (bread), rice, milk, sugar, and some viand.

When their first born was in college, she was so desperate to help the family and planned to go to Japan as an entertainer. Her parents pleaded with her not to go, but she was adamant. Uncle Pete, being a Lay Minister, never lost hope. With unwavering faith, he went to Quiapo and prayed like never before. Daily, he walked on his knees in Church begging God to enlighten his daughter and change her mind. He did this until the day came when he realized that he was ready to accept his daughter's decision. But the Lord really works in mysterious ways; at the final moment, the daughter decided to stay in the country. That was probably fifteen years ago; she is now happily married to a loving man, and together, they have three healthy and beautiful children, and a very successful family business.

It may seem like a school of hard knocks for Uncle Pete. But now, no one will ever think that they were once upon a time living in squalor. They have two lovely homes, one is newly acquired. All his children are successful individuals. The little girl who used to wait for Uncle Pete to wake up is now working in a huge firm in Singapore as a Manager;Rommel is an IT Specialist. Also, another daughter is happily married and working in China and Uncle Pete and Auntie Baby are going to visit her soon.

What's more, Uncle Pete is still so much in love with his wife, and ever faithful in his service to the church.