.. breaks my heart so badly that I know it is not an option.
My mother leaves for Manila on the 18th (or if I can pull it off, the 20th) because her visa extension runs out on the 22nd. The plan was to have my brother, Nikky, come sometime mid-April to take over and hold the fort for mom until school opens in Manila again mid-June. My biggest dilemma now is that Nikky’s Embassy appointment is not until April 29. Between the interview alone and Mom’s departure is a week and a half. With the 3-5 day processing date, the earliest I see Nikky greeting me at JFK is May 5 or 6. That means that I’m looking at possibly having to work around 10 days when Alan and I have to divvy up taking care of Angel.
At first I thought leaving him at back up day care as sponsored by my company was an option, but then I realized that would mean leaving him alone with strangers for a couple of hours. I was bothered by the thought of entrusting him to strangers, but I soon overcame that. Then I realized little by little that it might prove to be harrowing for Angelo who is so used to having a familiar face (usually his Lola’s) around, that realizing he was alone might drive him to a crying fit. Call me paranoid but I’m just afraid it might scar him for life. I’d also hate to imagine him screaming his lungs off as he is wont to do when he feels frustrated when he cries.
(Taking a deep breath..)
So I guess at this point day care isn’t an option. I’d rather use up my precious vacation days to be with him at home. Perhaps Alan can take the first 2 days the first week, I can take the full week following and then Alan can take another few days until Nikky is here finally.
Father and son bond very well. It seems that Angel likes it when his Dad takes care of him. I love seeing them sitting quietly, like how behaved Angel was picking up his Cheerios and eating them while his Dad held him on his lap while he was having his ice cream. I sat across the table and had my own ice cream, offering several times to take Angel, but his Dad wouldn’t give him to me. They’ll be fine alone together.. although I am sure feeding time will be a test of wills.. ha!
I am still hopeful there will be a positive development in the horizon and Nikky will be here on time. But I guess it’s but prudent to think of a plan B — just in case..