Letters to My Daughter, August 2017

My Cenil,
 
We had been waiting for this month because we were going home this month! Hello, Jakarta!

This year, we stayed shorter, but it was fair to say that we traveled more this year. 

We traveled to Bogor with Opa Win, Opa Iwan, Oma Feli, Mba Tinah, Mba Lia, and Pak Tolani. Yeah, quite a big group, eh? I am sure Oma Yuli was there with us too. We spent two nights at Novotel Bogor, and the three of us (you, Opa Win and myself) shared a king-size bedroom, so we shared the bed. All I can say was that it was a hilarious, memorable experience. You dragged the blanket (and Opa's sarong) with you, so Opa Win had to sleep half..... You put your left leg on top of his thigh and accidentally pressed the urine bag. It was a flood in the early morning hours!

Every morning, I stared at both of you sleeping side by side. It was a beautiful view that warmed my heart. 

We enjoyed our buffet breakfast very much; it was probably one of the things you always looked forward to every morning. We had lunch at Cimory. We tried their staple food. We visited a famous pie place, and we had lunch Kebun Raya Bogor and strolled around. 

I wanted everyone to enjoy this short getaway, so I always let everyone had their meal first while I fed Opa Win. And, I was OK with that. What really, really touched me was the fact that you always spared your food for me. You knew I always ate last, and you made sure I had something to eat. I am in awe!

This year is also the second year of girls only traveling. We chose Bangkok. It was hot and humid, and although Bangkok is pretty much similar to Jakarta as a big city, it was still a new experience. We visited temples, tried their street food, rode their subway system, walked thousands of miles to visit places. We celebrated my birthday with donut and pad Thai for breakfast. Best.birthday.food.evaaaa!

Out of this experience, one thing stood out for me. Your maturity, sensitivity, responsibility, and problem-solving skills. When I had to care Opa Win, you took over accompanying Opa Iwan and Oma Feli by sharing a table with them. And no, I didn't tell or ask you to do it. It was your initiative. When you realized you forgot to bring an adaptor, you solved the problem by speaking with the front desk staff and borrowed an adaptor from them. 

When it comes to managing chaos at home, you reminded me to be fair. You shared my headache and helped me chose the best words to communicate. You understood the delicacy and sensitivity of the situation I had to face.

I will always remember that every afternoon, you would patiently sit near the bathroom and wait for Opa Win to finish his shower. You would then help put the food rests on the wheelchair and later push it to the veranda. One thing you said struck me, "Opa is not sick. He is just in a different condition."

I don't know what you are made of, and I don't know what I did to deserve you. I think you are made of love, grace, humility, resilience, loyalty. I am humbled and honored to be able to call you mine. 

This month is a month full of beautiful memories and valuable life experience. 

Jars of stars,
XOXO
Bunbun

Letter to My Daughter, July 2017

Wow! We went places this month!

I had to attend my first General Synod in Baltimore, Maryland for four days. I couldn't imagine being separated from you that long. So I went with a heavy heart because I knew I would miss you terribly. But in a situation like this, I always remember what Oma once told me - that sometimes we both need to learn to be away from each other so that we can feel, cherish, and reaffirm our bond. 

Papa was still on long-term disability. Although this upset me, there’s certainly a benefit from this situation. You don’t have to go to summer camp, which means I got to save some money and you could spend more time with him! And with Tako, both of you can go places (and sometimes me). I am so happy that you had a great time and that you can go places conveniently now. 

You and papa scoured Brooklyn and tried out restaurants while I was stuck at the General Synod. Beuh! But I am so happy and grateful that we were able to go places with more ease now. 

This month's letter is more of a reflection of our adventure this summer:

Madame Tussaud Museum
Rockaway Beach
Fire Island
Pine Forest
Eddie Ice Cream
Sunflower Field Buttonwood

Cheers to more adventures, dumpling!

XOXO

Letter to My Daughter, June 2017

My dearest Cenil,

I feel that June is always one of the busiest months of the year. Recital, dance performance, and graduation. 

But I want to take a moment to say that I am grateful and feel so relieved this month. Your dance recital usually ends pretty late. In the past, we had to wait for buses and got home very late. So, I made a goal and a plan to purchase a car this month so that you do not have to wait for a bus or taxi after a late recital. 

I am super happy that I was able to achieve that goal (Yes, I passed my driving test too on the first attempt!). We named our first car Takoyaki. 

For the first time, you performed four dances this year, and you nailed all of them. 

This month, you also said goodbye to Q300. It was bittersweet. Although it was a short stay, I am sure it was memorable. You made new friends, learned new skills, and your personality has grown so much. 

You learned about self-awareness by putting together a presentation for a student-led conference, won first place in the Coca-Cola project, attended your first UN Conference, learned Capoeira, and baked donuts to raise money for the homeless.  Of course, not everything worked the way we wanted, but I am sure looking back; you would see your experience at Q300 as one of the most valuable lessons you could ever learn. 

Please stay curious, persistent, and resourceful. 

I love you!
Bunda Cetot