"Kikay Meeting You"

You know that feeling where you do not exactly "know" each other but you grew up together, you know each other's families and you "see" each other on Facebook all the time that you feel you are so connected even though you're really not? Yeah. Creepy to some. For me though, I do have some of that. One time I felt like I did not need to introduce myself to this Filipina at church before talking to her  because we are " friends" on FB?! Shame! Such is the feeling I guess when you consider the fact that you MUST be connected because you are from the same  fishing village or heck, just because you are both Filipinos! Hahahahh. 

Anyway, due to some horrible and scary incident of my niece and her family en route to the Berkshires yesterday, I ended up meeting the most beautiful, sweet and kikay girl I know from my barrio/village. She is so natural, unAssuming and downright humble. AND I also felt she really genuinely wanted to see me in person. 

While posting my funny observation regarding a Chinese take-out place, she found out we were in her neck of the woods, so they say. She immediately text me to let me know she lives so close by and would love to meet up if we were not busy. It was past nine at nite, been driving the whole day and driving back home that same nite for more than 2 hours. Two hours, that's with a functioning car, not with a car that was towed because it concked out in the hi-way! The reason we were there to rescue my mini vacationers/favorite people. AND good heavens, it's pouring downright heavy! But I could feel her excitement and I was as excited.  Their parents struggled but they all went to school and all have been wonderful additions to our community. I've always known their family to be like mine. But most of all, every time she speaks of my mom, she has nothing but praises and love so how can I not meet her?

Tonite was so much fun! I can never miss that chance to finally meet Maritess! We kissed, screamed and hugged so tight like old friends!

She introduced me to her husband who I feel "connected" too! I introduced her to my niece and her daughter and of course my 2 beautiful kids. Mr. Hubbs and the Bunso are upstairs, little sick. Just like that, we started talking like we were old friends catching up. I suppose we really feel that way because we are! We talked about Punta, our barrio, our "so shameful shopping habits", her friends, her work which I pointed out I already know what she does and she asked me how and I told her she told me a long time ago and she was so touched I remembered! What touched my heart was how she was describing my mother to her husband with such loving words.  Wouldn't you be proud too?

Maritess also kept telling Steve, her husband how the kids are so intelligent and that she would describe every event about our lives to him via FB. Another touching moment was when she showed me a text message she sent to another barrio mate in Hawaii how she is so excited to see me! Yaiiks! I was teary-eyed! 

We could not stop talking but we had to because she is going to work! Hahahahh. She is working the nite shift but because she knows I'd be gone that nite she insisted we see each other. How sweet is that? 

Last nite, I truly met a friend. A beautiful, sweet and truly kikay like me.  We filled the lobby with loud giggles and karaoke type singing by Precious to which Steve quips-- you can sing karaoke even without karaoke! Hahahah. Her beautiful dimples aside, I can feel she is truly happy! 

She asked us to come see her home but I truly can't! I would have loved to. So she invited Fridah and the kids for afternoon ice cream at a local place. Just like that, they planned like old times. So jealous I won't be there for more giggles and funny anecdotes!

Thanks Maritess for a warm Berkshires welcome and a warm fuzzy feeling of home. Just like you, I am happy to see you and so honored to be a friend and barriomate. It's a date, I bring Filipino food  to the Berkshires, you let me stay in your home! Not a fair trade ha? Kisses to you and Steve! Thank you beautiful girl!