Do you remember when you were younger and you wanted to speed up your growth? Like you felt you weren't old enough to go out on a date, or stay up late for the parties around you? Do you remember ignoring the healthy food your Mom used to prepare for you because you were too busy losing weight at fifteen? And do you remember your Dad continously reminding you to come home earlier than your expected curfew all because he wanted you safe?

Sometimes it just breaks down to the little things your family did for you that you took for granted all because you just wanted to grow up and grow out of their roof. And yet the price of freedom and independence can sting you hard once you realize that after several years you end up missing these things that used to be such a big part of your life.

Christmas and New Year and birthdays always come with just one anticipation. What this year's gift would be, and what food there is to be served. You never have to worry about those things, because it was always there every year. But each year dwindles, and as you grow older, there are fewer gifts and then no more celebrations. Your siblings are busy with their own families to tend to during the holidays, with you nowhere to go to, and you stumble on finding where the time has gone.

What I would give to come home again to my Mom's famous adobo, or my Dad's tinkling laugh each time he would crack a joke. How I miss making my Dad coffee, or laughing with my siblings during a day at the mall. I know people do not choose to grow older, it just happens and sadly all that is left are the memories of who and how you were when you were a kid.

I guess time really doesn't stand still and even if there is nothing left sometimes. Like food on the table, or money to pay the rent, you have to stand up and realize that all you have is now. If once in your life you were happy and safe with a family that kept you warm, there is no reason not to start feeling it again. The memories remain where they are, and it's time to make new ones.