Every week or two I book a ride to NAIA 3. I have nothing on me, just my wallet and my phone. A few times the Grab drivers would ask me where I’m going and I tell them I’m planning to meet someone at the airport.
I grew up loving airports because of what being in them meant for me: the beginning of an adventure. I travelled with my family on trips to new places that we looked forward to exploring. I’ve experienced it all. I have left my passport in the plane. I’ve missed an international flight. I’ve travelled abroad as a minor. I’ve gotten stopped by security and prevented from boarding. My experiences have been crazy but have made my life richer.
I used to love going to airports.
Now, I visit airports trying to look for a person. The only person in my life who has made me yearn for them to come back this strongly.
A beautiful man, who smiled so brightly and grinned so mischievously, is the person I keep coming back for. The author of so many stories that keep ringing in my brain long after he stopped seeing me. The man who truly loved me for who I am and accepted me for all my wonders and tragedies. The man who shared his face with mine and permanently tied himself to me by gifting me his surname.
It’s been 4 months since I lost you, dad. Your little girl keeps coming back to this airport where you used to always bring me to. I look for you amongst the sea of faces, desperately trying to remember every memory of you that I have right here in this airport. Your ashes may be in your altar but I know your spirit lingers here, in this place of excitement and adventure.
I’ll travel around the world looking for the beauty in life that always reminds me of you. For now, I’ll keep coming back to this place that was your home, in this airport.
Comments
Very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. This is a beautiful and touching tribute.🤍
14 years since my Dad passed, and the pain is still the same.