1st Grand Reunion

 

Rediscovering Roots: A Journey of Connection, Choice, and Renewal

At first, I found myself rather reluctant when the idea was raised of connecting with relatives on my grandfather's side. Our family bonds had gradually weakened due to the geographical distance that separated us. My parents and I lived in my grandmother Bae Deca's place, nestled in Malungun, while our relatives from Datu Daragangan resided in Boriongan. The distance was not just measured in kms but also in the passage of time and the fading of shared memories. Though I know them by heart, kasi madalas kong nakikita ang mga past pictures ng mga relatives ko kay Datu Daragangan sa Album ni Atemai, and the very fact na si Ina never na disconnected sa kanila because they have a special place in my mother's heart. As a result, I grew distant from my relatives. From my Longkayan roots.

However, somewhere deep within me, a flicker of curiosity ignited. It was a curiosity about those who represented the fruits of my ancestral tree, the branches that I had scarcely explored. This curiosity, which initially simmered hesitantly, eventually transformed into an unquenchable excitement as the date of the first grand family reunion approached. Looking back on it all, it's rather humorous to think that I had harbored reservations initially, considering that today, I am actively involved as an officer in our clan.

In many ways, it served as a reminder that the people who continue to be part of our lives are not always those to whom we are biologically related. Instead, they are often the ones we choose to be with. Our generation frequently interprets the age-old adage, 'Blood is thicker than water,' with a twist, suggesting that it's not just about 'Blood' and 'Water,' but rather 'Blood Brotherhood' and 'Water of the Womb' which typically conveys an opposing meaning. We understand that while blood may connect us genetically, it doesn't necessarily guarantee a strong bond. We value choice and connection beyond mere blood ties. I must confess that I once subscribed to this perspective, which some might label as self-centered. It was a viewpoint that prompted me to question why I should engage with "kin" I didn't naturally connect with. Why would I suffer pretending I like people I don't? Why couldn't I have the freedom to choose the individuals who surrounded me?

As time flowed on, much like a river winding its way through the landscape, I couldn't help but notice the cyclic nature of existence. Just as a baby grows into a teenager, matures into an adult, and eventually returns to a state of being babied in old age, so too do we find ourselves circling back to our roots. It's as if we are destined to come full circle, a truth underscored by the age-old saying that from dust we shall return. In light of this, I've come to appreciate the importance of embracing our origins.

In this journey, I have come to understand that while we may not always have control over the circumstances of our birth, we do have control over how we choose to engage with our familial heritage. The first grand family reunion was a testament to the power of reconnecting with one's roots. It illustrated that the distance that separates us, whether physical or emotional, can be bridged. It taught me that even when we don't naturally connect with relatives, there is value in building bridges, in reaching across the divides, and in recognizing the shared history that unites us.

As we journey through life, we grow, we evolve, and we change, but our roots remain a constant. In the grand tapestry of existence, we are threads woven into a larger narrative. So, I've come to realize that it is not a question of whether we should embrace our origins, but rather, how we can do so with open hearts and open minds. It's a journey that involves accepting the past, forging connections in the present, and weaving a tapestry of unity that binds generations. In the end, the roots that ground us also provide nourishment for growth, ensuring that our family tree flourishes and thrives across time and generations.