Describe the one decision in your life where you wish you could get a “do-over.” Tell us about the decision, and why you’d choose to take a different path this time around.

"Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, 
but our hearts forever ♥."

If I am given the chance to do a rewind of my life and change something, I would make sure that I go home every year to the Philippines to visit my grandmother. I regret not seeing her for 13 long years. I regret that I missed those days when she was still strong and able to travel. It was tough being a working student at the time because of the expenses but I wish I still went home even if it’s not every year. Thirteen years was such a long time. There was also a part of me that’s hesitant to go because of some memories that I did not want to remember. At that time, going home also meant reopening the wounds that have yet to heal. Deep wounds that was caused by someone who I once loved and cared about. I wanted to forget the pain. I wanted to numb myself so I focused on studying and working. I wish I was much stronger to face that reality then but instead I ran away from the truth because I was scared and in the process of doing that I neglected the one person who has always been there for me and sacrificed so much. Now my grandmother is 92 years old and getting weaker. Two years ago she was still able to recognize me but on my most recent visit, almost three months ago, she was having difficulty recognizing faces and recalling people’s names. It’s not that she has completely lost her memory. I believe it’s just because of old age. She’ll quickly remember you though once you mention something about yourself. Her doctor is actually amazed that she is still that strong in comparison to others of that age. Like always, she loves making jokes and always have that sweet smile on her face. One time I laughed so hard while showing her the photograph I had just taken of her. She pointed at it and said “that young lady is beautiful”, then she laughed! Hahaha! Her reaction was so funny! It was priceless! If only I could turn back time, I would do it in a heartbeat so I won’t miss those precious moments that I could’ve spent with my grandmother.

*DP