Aling Nena gasped as she pulled her hand-carry inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. He is from Riyadh.
Ten years. She worked as a Domestic Helper for 10 years.
During that time, he did not return home once.
“It’s a waste of fare,” he always said to himself. “I’m just going to send Jay-Jay a ticket.”
He remembers his son, Jay-Jay. He was only in high school when he left. He is now 25 years old. They only met by video call.
He saw how his son grew up on the cell phone screen—from graduating from high school, to graduating from college.
Jay-Jay’s Dream: To Become a Pilot.
Aviation School is very expensive. Almost all of Anna’s work was lacking. He worked overtime, did laundry with other employers on days off, and endured eating noodles just to get the tuition delivered.
Now it’s for good. He’s going home. He was old, had a sore back, and his skin was wrinkled.
He got on the plane. Economy Class. Siksikan.
He sat down in seat 42A, by the window. Sister Nina closed her eyes.
“Thank you, Lord,” he whispered. “Even though I’m tired, I’m done.”
Suddenly, the plane’s PA system went off.
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. This is your Captain speaking. Welcome to Flight PR 102 bound for Manila.”
Sister Nina was stunned. The voice was familiar. Sounds like he’s heard it before. He was nervous.
“We expect a smooth flight today. But before we take off, I want to make a special announcement.”
The Captain’s voice was a little hoarse.
“I have a very special passenger on board today. She is seated at 42A.”
Anna’s eyes widened. 42A? That’s it! The people next to him looked at him.
“Ten years ago, she left the Philippines to work as a maid. She scrubbed floors, washed dishes, and took care of other people’s children, just so she could send money for my Aviation School.”
Anna’s tears began to flow. He covered his mouth.
“She didn’t come home for a decade because she wanted to save every peso for my dream. Today is the first time she is coming home. And today is also my first flight as a Captain.”
The cockpit door opened.
A tall man came out. The pilot was in uniform. White shirt, black tie, and over his shoulders… four gold stripes (Captain’s Epaulettes).
He walked down the aisle to the back. All the passengers were watching.
Arriving at Row 42, the Captain stopped.
He took off his cap. She nodded and knelt down in front of Anna.
“Ma…” The pilot said.
“Jay-jay…” Sister Nina nodded. He smirked at the boy’s face. “My son… “You are a Captain…”
“Mom, this is your flight,” Jay-Jay cried. “But it’s my flight too. I will fly you home. You’re not going to do the laundry anymore, Mom. I am. I’ll take care of you.”
Captain Jay-jay hugged his mother tightly.
The whole plane was applauded. Some of the passengers were crying as well. Flight attendants, wiping away tears.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Jay-Jay said to the passengers as he hugged his mother. “This is my mom. My hero.”
At the top of the plane, Anna’s heart was flying higher.
Ten years of homesickness was worth it, the back pain was worth it, every drop of sweat was worth it—because the boy she had left behind, was now the one who was bringing her back home, lofty and successful.