I don't know if it's a Filipino culture, but mostly OFWs send a package - different kinds of goods back to their families. It could be in any month, but mostly during festive seasons like Christmas.
My husband, when he was still single, would send it back to his Mom before his contract ended. Thus, since we got married, he's been doing it yearly.
What was in the box?
Back then, wherever he went, he would buy me anything that caught his attention. It could be clothes, socks, or even a headband. As long as he feels I'm gonna love it. Thus, now, everything has changed. I was dethroned by our son Caleb, lol!
Last year, about 50% was food, canned goods, noodles, oatmeal, chocolates, etc. Nope, not only for me, but he would have given all his siblings a pack. Then, the remaining would be stocks at home for my consumption.
Then, the rest would be utensils for our home. Since he loves to cook, he would buy a pan, a casserole, pots, and even a serving dish. All of our utensils were purchased by him, even the peeler and chopping board 🤣.
Was there anything for me?
What I like about him is that he would ask if there's anything I want. As long as he could afford it, surely he would buy that for me.
It was the first week of November when he sent his package via courier. The timeline is just enough, as his flight is on December 23. Nope, I don't have a plan to open it unless he is here.
Text translation: Ma'am/Sir, where is your exact location? We will deliver your package from Taiwan.
I thought they were already near our place, but when I called, I was told the estimated time of arrival would be at night.
Six in the evening?
BUT no! They called me to see if I am willing to receive that package at 10 because of the truck ban (until 9 pm).
If I won't, then that means they will reschedule it on their next route here. Though there is still time, I was in doubt.
Surely, I am still awake at that time, but I don't like the idea of opening the door to a stranger at night. Don't blame me, please, but in this era, I can't help but have trust issues.
Thankful that my brother-in-law was available, I asked him for a favor: could he come to our house to accompany me?
At ten, it was finally delivered, and it was such a huge help that BIL was there. He was the one who waited for the delivery near the road, as I couldn't go out because of my son. There was also light rain, and the delivery guy already looked worn out.
And look who was excited?
He kept on running back and forth and even asked for something already. He was there checking the boxes and bumbling something.
After signing the receipt, I gave the delivery guy a small tip. Not much, but enough for a simple meal.
I am not a generous type, but I know when to give a tip as a gesture of appreciation.
And here is our son the next day, and Ben is doing this for days. He might not be talking yet, but his actions and that bumbling mean he wanted to open it.
As if he understood that there were presents for him—new clothes, new toys, so that old ones were no longer needed.
These happened to his old toys. Oh, this little man!
What's for me?
I am not yet sure what he bought for me, but I know there is a weighing scale.
Lead image was edited using Canva
Photos are mine
This was draft yesterday but I dozed into sleep after my toddler went to dreamland.