I Miss You, Aira!

“All journeys have secret destinations of which

the traveler is unaware.”

— Martin Buber

We went to the airport to send Aira off last Friday morning. I was about to cry after I hugged her so tight and kissed her on her cheek. But to avoid the family drama, I didn't. But the whole 9 hours at work, I was thinking of her. And I just wanted to share a few things about Aira.


She is more than just a cousin, she's one my first best friend.

We’ve been through all the same family highs and lows. It’s made our bond completely unbreakable. We grew up together, so she knows exactly how weird I am and still loves me.

She had the best toys.

Being the eldest grandchild (her mother side) gave her an advantage to have the best toys. She had several Barbie dolls with different hair colors, a Barbie cabinet with loads and loads of Barbie clothes, and whole lot more. Name it, she has it!

Her birthday is a week-long sleepover.

Almost every first week of April of my childhood days were spent with her. Riding her bike, selling halo halo, and going to perya would make my summer vacay complete.

My movie buddy!

It is so hard to find a buddy who can tolerate my bad taste in movies. She doesn't mind watching a tagalog tear-jerking flick with me. Even if it means that I will be a blubbering mess when I go out of the movie house.

She is just one text away.

She is there to comfort me and reply to every lame text message I sent her everytime I get my heart broken or everytime I feel homesick. I don’t have to explain my weird mood swings because she already FULLY understand.

Nurse by profession and by heart.

She cares for her patients. And she's very passionate with her work. There are times when she rants how tired she is but never did I hear her gave up. She's ambitious and knows how to achieve it.

Epitome of a Perfect Daughter.

Above everything else, her priority is her family. Being the eldest child, she had been a great role model to her siblings. She is even quoted as "favorite ate!"

It is true that as you get older, you realize your cousin is your oldest and most loving friend you’ll ever have. I miss you already. But I know you will be successful in every path you choose to take. Virtual hug for one of my favorite cousin! Love you, Couz!