Why do our children leave Malaybalay?

If parents had their way they would like their children always by their side. Yet children, whether parents like it or not become their own persons and parents have to give way. Still the wish is there that if Malaybalay has good jobs to offer then our children here in Malaybalay may opt to stay longer with their families. Sad to say though there are not enough good jobs especially the good paying ones that inspire the kids to stay on.  Thus the queston: why do our children leave Malaybalay? They do because though they like not to do so, opportunities for financial upliftment are out there - out of Malaybalay - far from loved ones.

To a certain extent it is a blessing in disguise for through it all, the parents accept the separation with the strong hope that soon enough the kids will come for a visit and whatever has been missed is supplied by the faith in quality more than quantity of togetherness.

To parents who are in this same boat, let us see the rainbow after the rain in the sense that our children are really not ours in the first place. They come through us but not from us. They make us see the deeper meaning of life beyond formalities. They make us face the reality of mortality. Even being "very old" is acceptable for the children are "older" themselves. They make us think of a life that has to be with the Supreme Being who is the End All and Be All of Life. 

So why do our children leave Malaybalay?  In a deep sense, they are or are not, for this separation is symbolic.They may leave physically but they are still present in a metaphysical sense. "Leaving Malaybalay" is a symbolic way of letting go if only for better things in the future. Go then my children. Let Go. Let God! We are just here when you decide to come home.