Our youngest son, Leon, went back to Quezon City yesterday afternoon. He hitched a ride with his diko who had come to Tagaytay to pick up one of our masons who will help him in finishing one of his construction projects. Leon's diko is Bruno, our second son, the architect. He is married and lives with his wife's family in Quezon City. We have two other children with families of their own – Atong in Dasmariñas, Cavite and Pika in Quezon City. The thing is, with our eldest son Zach getting married and now living in Quezon City, too, Leon is the last of my babies to be still staying with us in Tagaytay. And yet, he has also declared his independence by teaming up with two other friends and getting an apartment in Loyola Heights.

I found myself tearfully waving good-bye to my two sons, not taking my eyes off the car until it turned the corner and out of sight. Then my tears just kept on flowing. I felt so alone. It didn't help that Boboy, my husband, was in Davao and would not be back home until Saturday night. It is times like this that makes me realize how attached I am to my children. Then I am reminded of The Prophet's words to parents about children –  "they belong not to you."

Much as I wish to hold on to their company, to hold them back for even just a little bit more time, I know that is not what is meant to be.  Although I accept that knowledge, acceptance  does not ease the pain in my heart. I miss my children so.

"For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;

For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable."

Thus am I comforted. That I may have sent them forth straight and true to their destinies.