The SAMSONs

I must say I’ve had an outstanding relationship with my father’s family. For this reason, I call them mama, mommy or daddy with much comfort. Papa taught me the essence of family ties, thus others followed. Among the 16 first cousins, I’m the 4th senior in a queue.

Something to be proud of...this family has consistently been intact...and will forever be.

Mom Chit, papa’s eldest sister who’s known for owning a weak yet BIG HEART, is exceptionally extravagant yet spiritual. For her, a bad apple often deserves not only a second chance but limitless chances. Dozens of significant & insignificant individuals have been allowed to share a roof with her & family--- feed them…clothe them. The generosity of the heart has always been matchless. She just simply outpours LOVE for all and sundry.

Mom Ditas, somebody whom you could turn to when in immense need due to her reserved resources, had been a career-woman before her recent retirement. She’s depicted as the epitome of a wise spender. I dwelt at her abode when I was on my 1st year in college and it was really my dispensation.

Tita Minnie has been a vigorous family messenger, a remnant’s collector, a genuine caregiver, a cordon bleu, a chatty spinster, and a mother to all. She’s my father’s comical equivalent. Say what you feel like saying but never remark on her bits and pieces.

Tita Tess is described to be tactless yet classy, a loving/caring Aunt, an international voyager, a generous next of kin, an event organizer, a tidy homemaker, and everybody’s WHITE (pseudonym). She used to apportion supplies for me when I was a student and affirm me for my diligence in schooling. Papa was her favorite…and I feel the same as well.

Tita Teng, the supposedly youngest of the brood, was found by a certain nun and introduced to us less than a decade ago. She’s papa’s stepsister (based in Baguio City), a business woman, and wife of a politician. We gather on special events.

Tito Tony & Tito Toti had both departed years ago due to heart attack and diabetes mellitus, respectively. Insulin injections were carried out by me, while witnessing Tito Toti’s sufferings due to amputated limbs. They shared responsibilities with Mama Flor for decades. It was after then when papa used to label himself, “the only boy”.