Sustained Friendships

Fe called me - I am talking about Fe Collantes Musgrave - currently in Southern California. I missed the call - I am very bad in misplaced cell phones or even answering phone calls - at work or at home.

I always call Fe back - both Fe's of Southern California - Fe Orlanes Adlawan lives in the area, too. They almost always bring me great news.

Fe gave me the news that Elvesa is now in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We spoke about old times and then the current news - she gave me Elvesa's phone number and I gave her the link to Catmon.

A whole group of us grew up together - Northern High School Class of 1961. Our closeness started way back - is it the third grade??? Mrs. Iway's class - Elvesa threw an eraser at me in one of our proverbial "fights" and hit my jaw swollen from
mumps. Did it hurt!

What was I doing in school with active mumps in the first place?

Elvesa and I always kissed and made up. We became closer as we got older. I loved the Oyas family and ate a lot of their famous "Utan Mongos" meals while I was growing up. It was almost an open invitation with Elvesa when they had "utan mongos".

I was always very impressed when Elvesa was entrusted to do the marketing in Catmondaan on Thursday. Although she can be a bit bossy - I loved hanging out with her and her family - particularly enjoyed hanging out with Nida, Lloyd, Charito, Soling, Ingrid and of course, Sergio.

Man Etrang and Man Iroy's marriage was the model that I hoped to emulate if I ever married. The unity, stability and togetherness was amazing to me.

When we were in college, Elvesa nursed me through a very rough bout of the "shingles" - likos-likos. She would put the salve on, help me change my shirt, kept me hydrated, slept on the floor by my bed for a couple of days - on top of keeping up with her college work.

When I think back now - I feel like an ingrate for being so uncommunicative. Communication is not my best suit. I am not sure that I have been there for her during her hard times as much as she had taken care of me. I was such a "baby" growing up with this group.

So I called Elvesa - I was laughing and crying at the same time. It was great to hear her voice. I hope to call her more - I really do value her as well as the other friendships formed in Catmon.

Nene, thank you for all that you have done! You are loved and cherished forever.

They are the best!