It didn’t seem too long ago. My wife didn’t want to have another baby after Sonya, our second child. I wanted another child but I didn’t insist. I understood the hardships of a woman getting pregnant. We resorted to natural birth control methods, rhythm method in particular, as far as I can remember. At some point she wondered why she was still not having her menstruation. I thought maybe it was just delayed as I was sure we followed very closely the “rules” to avoid getting pregnant.
One day, while we were shopping somewhere in Mabini St., she noticed a clinic doing pregnancy test. She decided to have a test. I was very confident she wasn’t so I just stayed outside looking at the items on the display windows of the nearby shops. 15 minutes or so later, she came out of the clinic. She didn’t look too happy then she said “POSITIVE”. I was surprised but I was actually happy but I didn’t show it because she will suspect that I “cheated” her during one of our “encounters”.
Eight months or so later, on the 4th of August she gave birth to baby boy Enrico. Enrico was born with a light complexion much like Florence. He was a strong boy although physically he looked light. He always let his mom carry him wherever the mom went.
In just a few months, Enrico travelled from Baguio to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Well not by himself… Floy, Florence and Sonya along with baby Enrico went back to Riyadh to join me.
Enrico grew up in Riyadh. He grew up as a fine kid. During his time, there were many Filipino families in the building where we lived so he got to see, played and partied with a lot of kids.
After a few years, he entered a Filipino school called Nour Al Maref International school along with his sisters Sonya and Florence.
When Florence graduated from elementary, it was decided that Florence continue her studies in Baguio so they had to go back to Baguio. In Baguio, he continued his studies at Small World where he gained more friends, both boys and girls. Hmmm… Now in Grade IV, we decided to transfer him at Berkley school. He loves Math and sports. He recently joined Speech and Drama. According to him, he joined because he likes doing commentary…whatever that means.
Enrico has grown to be a smart kid. Like the kids his generation, he loves playing Gameboy, Playstation and computer games.
Too bad, I can’t join him this day as I’m still in Riyadh. I’m just happy that he is fine.
Enrico, Happy Birthday from your mom and dad.
