Hearing Aid

Ama, gusto ninyo bang Lucky Me Pancit Canton, Calamansi Flavor?

I saw my Lolo walking towards my location…

Ama:  Ano yun?  Hindi ko narinig…

Ako:  Gusto ninyo po ba ng Pancit Canton?  Magluluto ako.

He went closer because he still couldn't hear what I am saying…

While we were eating, he told me..

Ama:  Isa na lang ang alam kong lagi kong sinasabi… "Ano yun?"  Tapos nahihiya akong makisama sa mga usapan ninnyo kasi minsan magtatanong ako dahil hindi ko narinig.  Minsan kahit hindi sinasadya, nakakasakit ung maririnig mo na parang naiinis ang kausap mo dahil sa paulit-ulit kong tanong.

I kept silent for awhile, cause i know, I am one of those people he refer.  When he keeps on asking to reiterate… I keep quiet…  It means… "I don't want to talk anymore… Ama".

My Lolo is a good conversationalist, one who talks with sense, very smart and my human locator.  When Lolo is telling stories of the past, I turn off the TV, and spend the rest of my weekend just listening to him.  He does it in exchange for nothing… just an audience to listen and a heart that warmly accepts and digests what lesson I must get out of it.

Getting along with my old grandparents is a struggle.  Yeah, I get irritated most of the time but I feel guilty everytime they say things like these… 

Isn't the time, love and compassion not enough to cover up their weakness when they get old?

I always feel apologetic whenever I hear sentiments from the oldies…