Our family has never imagined to move to province permanently after owning our first home two years ago.
From being a renter since my parents were married, we managed to buy a house and lot and have it renovated.
My parents and siblings were content in having enough space and privacy.
Then the pandemic happened.
We hoped for our family to be safe and healthy. So they were . . . until they weren’t.
Prioritizing Health Over Material Possession
I wouldn’t give details of the struggles our family went through as some of our family members had Covid-19 inspite of precautions.
All I knew is that the pandemic seems so unreal until my family had to deal with Covid and fortunately they get better one by one.
My siblings recovered faster than our parent who used to be a chain smoker.
I used to buy cigarettes at sari-sari store for my parent. In return, I was able to buy junk foods with the change. That was me, a juvenile accomplice unaware of health hazard of smoking.
Our family made crucial decision after my siblings and parents get well.
They had to move in the province one hour away from Manila.
The pandemic has thought us one thing: health is important than anything else. Our family’s experience has taken a toll in our emotional and mental health just as in physical state.
So we thought that it is best to move to province which I advocated even before we bought a house.
My family has never been this far away from our relatives.
We grew up having our cousins, aunts, and uncles living next door. We would borrow salt, cooking oil or whatnot. They would do the same that helping out becomes natural to us.
Did we make the right decision to move or are we going to regret it later on?
Becoming a Renter . . . Again
Is this move a step down? Why would anyone trade a mortgage-free home to a house for rent?
I am relieved seeing how simple and not crowded the location of the house my family is renting. They can finally settle and focus on their health and look forward for a safer, healthier future.
I am happy that they can enjoy fresh air, quiet neighbourhood. They are free to roam around along with our pets (aspin and a turtle).
My sibling is even thinking of buying a foldable bike which I highly approved of.
If our dog (aspin + terrier breed) can hitch a ride, much better.
They have to trade space smaller than the house we own in Manila and of course alteration of the place isn’t allowed. But those are smaller tradeoff for a healthier everyday life.
We are going to sell our house in Manila. Yes there is no turning back.
This time our parents yielded to a province lifestyle which they opposed before buying our first house. Their stance baffled me because both of my parents grew up in province.
My dad stayed in Manila to be able to visit her almost centenarian mother.
Unfortunately, my grandmother died and only few were able to attend. My father wasn’t able to see her mother for the last time. They haven’t seen each other since the pandemic started.
So what’s our plan for the future?
Planning for the Future
Are we going to buy a house again? Maybe. Maybe not.
With everything that happened, one thing is for sure. Having a medical fund is important. Who knows how much will be required to pay for hospital bills and medicine?
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And that is my priority right now. I am allocating savings for medical emergency.
The house proceeds will serve as emergency fund and possibly a downpayment for a new house.
I hope for the pandemic to end soon and that it remains part of history and not of the future. Regardless of when or where is the next medical crisis will happen, I want our family to be prepared.
With that being said, I still like the idea of having my family enjoy living in our own home. That depends on financial circumstances of my siblings and me.
Whatever the future brings, we learn to always have gratitude for everything. Appreciate everything.
Where do you want to live in a time like this, in the city or in the province?
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