The importance of eating together as a family

March 4, 2018;Sunday

Medjo long post ahead.

I woke up late today because I have been very busy with a lot of school works and have been going home at a very late hour. My sleeping time has been cut to almost a half of the regular hours I spend in dreamland (I don't know why I call it that because I hardly remember any dreams I have. haha). The current situation in our house right now is on weekdays, Mom stays in a condo unit closer to her workplace, I always come home late (ALWAYS), being a night shift agent my aunt is always at work at night and asleep in the morning, I think my brother and my dad are the only ones left in the house with a regular sleeping pattern. BTW, I live in a house with 5 people, Mom, Dad, Luis, Aunt Rita, and Me. We also have 6 dogs and cats! Anyway, I can safely say that we barely have the luxury of spending time at the dinner table together as one whole family. The only time we are complete in the house is during Sundays. So waking up on a Sunday is a very special thing for me, seeing everyone present in the house, preparing meals together, is a very heart warming sight.

We had visitors today, My grandmother and my nephew. They came to spend the day with us. Knowing my mom, whenever we have visitors, may it be relatives or friends, she cooks up a feast. When I say a feast, I mean it in a way that she cooks too much for the amount of people that are going to eat (di sya marunong mag estimate nyahahha ask her yourself). Being one of the cooks in the house I help with the cooking as soon as I woke up. When Mama Rita was about to prepare the dining area she had the idea to set up lunch at the garage. I thought it was a wonderful and mommy thought so too. It was a nice change in ambiance and sights. We setup the table and everyone was called to eat and had a wonderful time.

'The traditional way of eating in the Philippines, with hands!'

'Complete.'

While eating, I had a moment of epiphany (wow, big word.) EATING TOGETHER AS A FAMILY IS VERY IMPORTANT! Why you may ask did I think that way, well here is why. Eating is one of those activities best shared with a lot of people. Friends who always dine together are the last the longest and families who dine together are the ones who share the strongest bonds. Have you ever noticed that the most intimate discussions are done during eating? mom, I won an award at school today; dad, how do I get a girlfriend/boyfriend; mom, dad, I'm pregnant. This is because people are more comfortable to discuss certain matters, whether sensitive or not, over a meal or on a full stomach. I don't know why, but food has this strong pull over people that makes us vulnerable and open. Also, eating together as a family made me realize that no matter how old or how young you are, we don't have the luxury of time. Time is catching up with us. Your grandparents, might not be there tomorrow when you wake up; In just a blink of an eye, the youngest in your family might not be the little baby you were just carrying a while ago. Eating together as a family gives you the opportunity to catch up on each other. It is a way for us to know what is going on in the life of our friends and family. It serves as a medium for people to talk and find out more about each other. Eating together is one of the best, and strongest connections you will make with anybody.

Always find a way to eat with each other, either as relatives or friends, but ultimately, as a Family. Enjoy the meals you have whether homemade or store brought. Never miss out on the chance to savor the moments you have surrounded by the people you love and the food you enjoy.

Travel, eat, and live well!

-James