“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come without leaving happier.” —Mother Teresa
Hi, everyone, it 's me again your cutie blogger from the Philippines @itsmejustine.
That dull ache? That low-level hum of missing her was a constant thing. It wasn't just the miles; it felt like a massive hole had opened up between us, all thanks to unspoken words and missed moments. Her laugh – usually my personal sunshine – was just a faint echo now, a seriously bittersweet reminder of what I was missing. I was practically buzzing with impatience, this restless energy demanding action. I needed a plan, not some rigid schedule, but a real game plan to reconnect. This wasn't just about seeing her; it was about making things right, reconnecting after all the distance.
And I'll never forget June 24th, 2025.Not for anything huge, but it's when I finally saw my niece again. Weeks felt like forever, and the silence without her was… deafening. It's weird what you miss, right? Like, her finding joy in the smallest things, her whole body wiggling when she dances. Those little moments, those tiny explosions of pure happiness – that's what I'd been starving for. Seeing her again? It was like getting a vital organ transplant. Suddenly, this huge hole in my life was filled.
That walk to my niece's? It was way more than just a trip; it felt like a little getaway. No car needed – just a stroll through our little corner of the province, a testament to how close everyone lives. I wasn't lonely, though. The scenery was amazing – totally unspoiled, the kind you only find outside the city. It was like a personal art exhibit, every turn a new masterpiece. My siblings were stuck in school, Mom was having a quiet day, so I had the whole thing to myself. But honestly, the views were more than enough company. It was the perfect, peaceful prelude to seeing my niece – a little slice of paradise before the reunion.
Walking to my relatives' house, I came across their well, (“Balon”) and it wasn't just any old well. It was the center of their daily lives – they bathed there, washed their clothes there, they also used it to wash dishes. It was super clean, too, because the whole family keeps it that way. It was amazing to see how important this one well was to their whole day. There was even a little stream next to it. The whole thing felt really peaceful and showed me how people can live simply and still be connected to nature.
That walk felt endless, every step a countdown to seeing my niece. Then, bam—their house, this shocking burst of orange against everything else. Seriously, the color was intense. I mean, seriously, orange? Grandpa's always been a bit…eccentric with his color choices. Remember when it was green? Then blue? Now this screaming orange! It's almost painful to look at for too long, but I guess it's his way of brightening up the world, you know? He hates dullness, says a house without color is a sad house. He's probably right, but still…orange.
Instead of my niece's bright smile, a furry blur greeted me – their dog! It was a total surprise, a fluffy explosion of cuteness that bowled me over. It totally reminded me of our dog, but this one? This one was even cuter. Best. Stress. Reliever. Ever.
And then, there she was—my awesome niece! Her laugh, this totally contagious giggle, just melted away all my stress. She was beaming, pure joy. I was all smiles—it was amazing. I could have watched her forever. Perfect end to a kinda stressful day.
By 1 PM, we were both wiped and decided a nap was in order. She always naps—her mom swears it helps her grow, which is kinda old-school, but hey, whatever works, right?It's just one of those family things. I don't know about the science of naps and growth spurts, but it's chill, and that's all that matters. Plus, I needed a break! It had been a crazy morning. It was nice to chill and watch her drift off—kids sleeping are seriously peaceful. I even ended up napping myself! Felt totally refreshed afterward.
Around 4, I decided to grab some water. I pictured myself trekking all the way to that well from my childhood—like, a million miles away from their house—but then I remembered Lola's advice to use the closer one. Seriously relieved. That other well is a hike! It would've been brutal in the afternoon heat. Glad I listened to her; my legs would be screaming otherwise.
But get this—the closer well was a total surprise.It had been ages since I'd been back there, and I'd totally forgotten how different it was now. I remembered this old, kinda beat-up well from when I was a kid, but now... It's totally cemented! Like, a whole new well, all updated and improved. Crazy. But some things are timeless. The water was still freezing cold and so refreshing—just like I remembered. Pulling up that bucket, feeling the chill on my skin...it felt amazing. It unlocked a ton of memories—simpler times, those carefree days spent playing near the well. It was strange, but comforting, seeing something familiar yet totally transformed—the past and present all mashed together. It was seriously awesome.
Okay, bye for now! Thanks for reading. Stay safe, everyone. Love ya! ❤️
Note: The attached photo is mine, edited using Canva.