I worry about my children and my grandchildren too much. My younger son Chito sent me a Messenger message the evening of December 25 that read, "Have a happy christmas papa..i have work tonight.." I am certain that he meant it as a mere greeting but, being a creative writer, I tended to overread between the lines: Was the message a show of bravery? Was he proud to tell me that he was working on the night of Christmas? Was he unhappy about it, considering that he was wishing me a happy Christmas as opposed to a merry one?

Many years ago he would keep me apprised of his personal problems and problems at work via text-messaging. I'd drop everything, give him advice, and proffer an entire list of solutions. Then he'd be surprised at my messages and reply that he was okay, text-messaging, "Pinapaalam ko lang po sa inyo kung ano'ng nangyayari sa buhay ko." I could never understand that line.

Looking back now, I think that the lesson for me as a parent was to allow my children (and grandchildren) to solve their problems on their own.