The old man I met at the airport.

It’s been three weeks since my successful US entrance. I am a minor traveling alone, only accompanied by a tiny suitcase, a grey backpack, and an uneasy face. I was too worried about my Mom worrying about me. But then, it wasn’t so scary. It was kind of fun. It’s my first time to travel alone outside the country so it was quite an experience!

So let’s get to the story: I’m turning eighteen on June and I was supposed to have this big party (debut) thrown for me because I’m finally turning into a lady. Pfft. On the contrary, I was informed that my grandma’s ill. Without a second thought, I decided to go the States. But then there were conflicts arising. Dad’s got some issues with me traveling alone. He thinks I won’t be safe and blah blah blah. My mom thinks that I should have my debut instead because it would be a dream come true for her – to present me as a debutante. But I wasn’t into all that shiz, I just wanted to get away and travel and visit my grandma. So then I followed my instincts and left the country.

I was alone at the airport for five hours. An hour before my departure, I waited at our gate. I met an old Filipino man who now resides in the States. He told me stories of his children going to college, of his nieces and nephews graduating from prestigious universities, and of his going back to the Philippines to attend an alumni homecoming. And then he asked me why I am going to the States. I told him I decided to visit my grandma instead of having an extravagant shindig thrown just for me. He smiled at me and told me, “I think that’s a very good and responsible decision.” I smiled back. I’m thankful I met this man. He removed all the regrets and guilts in my mind. When I left, I felt guilty because I didn’t agree with my Mom and Dad’s decision for me. I guess they will eventually get over it and thank God that I just decided to visit my grandma instead of spending loads of money all on just one night.