after 13 years....

Last June 25, 2023, I revisited the Manila Zoo with my family to celebrate my aunt's birthday.  As we walked through the zoo, I was flooded with memories of our last visit together 13 years ago, when I was only 7 years old at that time. Feeling nostalgic on this trip, I tried to recreate the special family photo we had posed for all those years ago.

Although I didn't end up using that original photo for this discussion forum, before leaving I captured this snapshot with the "Thank You for Visiting!" sign. 

Just a few months later, this past Christmas, we lost my mother. Though devastated, I'm grateful for joyful memories like this final trip to the Manila Zoo. Even in grief, revisiting happy places that hold such personal significance is comforting.

So while my mom won't be joining future visits, just as the sign says: “Thank You for Visiting!” We will keep revisiting the Manila Zoo, now that it holds a special place in my heart.