I will see you in my Dreams

Chapter 30. Raising Aaron.

Tarlac is situated at the center of the central plains of Luzon. The rest is hilly to slightly mountainous.

The Davis sugar plantation, farm, and fishpond are located in the plains. Ari's business acumen is known to everyone in the community. Ari was able to acquire hotels and restaurants into the mix. The husband and wife teams are also known for their generosity in supporting nonprofit organizations, especially in the education sector, the local Aetas community, and the underserved.

Aside from their business and advocacy, Hannah was busy raising Aaron. She was always present with school activities and in the community.

The couple was very attentive to their son's progress in school and made sure that they are involved in Aaron's outside school activities.

Aaron grew up so well, polite, loving, friendly, and respectful.

Mom, please help me pack. I am excited to join Isabella and Simone in Peru. I want to experience this medical mission.

Okay, I already prepared your grooming kit, underwear, and sleepwear. I am now gathering from the laundry room your comfortable pants and shirts.

Aaron, don't forget to take your vitamins every day, brush your teeth before going to bed and make sure you wear clean underwear every day, okay!

Of course, Mom. I am not a kid anymore.

Ari was laughing, silently listening to mother and son's interaction.

I am just reminding you, Aaron. You have to eat fruits and vegetables in every meal. I don't want to call your cousins and ask if you do this or you do that. You're 16 years old already; you should be

responsible for yourself. Listen, take care of yourself; that way, you're taking care of us, Okay! If you become irresponsible on this trip, your father and I will not allow you to travel by yourself again. Understood?

Yes, Mom.

Honey, your son, is a big boy now; let him get out from your claws...Ari said jokingly to Hannah.

What do you mean by that? Hannah responded

Whoa...don't argue, Mom, Dad...I will be okay! Please, Dad, don't provoke Mom.

Mom, I know you're protecting me. I will be alright! I am grown-up already; you have to let me go; otherwise, I will not learn.

I know, son, I can't help but worry about you when you're not home. Promise me that you're going to take care of yourself, okay!

I promised Mom I will. Besides, my cousins are with me. We will be alright!

Aaron, Peru has a different way of living like us, respecting their beliefs, and being sensitive to the people around you. Learn from them also. Be polite always, especially to the elderly.

By the way, I wrapped some energy bars in case you and your cousin will need them. I am sure the girls will bring some for the three of you. I added vitamin gummies and some sweets to munched.

Mom, I thought, I will travel light. We will be there for only ten days.

Ohhh, some are knick-knacks, a little bit heavy, but you can carry those. They are essential for your health and daily living there. You should have it handy.

Aaron, bring all of them, don't argue with your Mom!

Alrighty...

The next day, the couple and Tiong Berto brought Aaron to the airport for his first trip overseas with his cousins Ysabella and Simone.

Both Ysabella and Simone are practicing doctors at Stanford health care in Palo Alto, California. Both are active members of Doctors without Border. It's an independent global movement providing medical aid where it's needed most. The organizations' commitment is to provide the best care possible to every patient, every place that they serve with utmost commitment.

Aaron is exposed to Hannah's advocacy; he grew up witnessing his parents served the poor people of Tarlac. The Davis' has many scholars, children of their tenants, workers, and their employees. He knew that his parents have a big heart.