11-year-old swimmer from Budlasan meets his father for the first time after almost 10 years.
A longing father who endured the pain of not being able to see his son for a decade.
A dear kid growing up dealing with the absence of his real father since he was two.
Today, on the onset of CVIRAA 2024, they reunite.
It is a warm afternoon at Don Vicente Rama Elementary School. The sun is about to set, and there is a pleasant breeze coming in. The delegation from SDO Canlaon for busy settling in, having just arrived in the morning. Some are going out for food, some teams are looking for areas where they can practice, different committees are busy preparing and running errands, while some are occupied with organizing their assigned billeting rooms. Amid the hustle and bustle – and unknown to many, at the school’s waiting area where visitors are permitted to stay, a heartwarming reunion is happening.
Lj Yosores, an 11-year-old member of SDO Canlaon elementary swimming team from Budlasan Elementary School, finally gets to see his father for the first time again after almost 10 years.
Lj’s mother and father separated when he was still two years old. They lost contact for years and only started to reconnect two years ago. Lj has already younger siblings from his mother and her new partner, while his father is now married to another woman. They got to talk through Messenger video calls but have not had the chance to meet in person yet, because his father is occupied being a full-time GrabFood driver here in Cebu. Upon learning of Lj’s CVIRAA participation here in the city, his father excitedly planned for their meet-up.
“I am proud of what he has achieved in his sport… I am very happy about finally seeing him.”
Mr. Joel Yosores
Their meeting is a sight that would definitely bring one to tears. In the simplicity of their reunion, one can reflect on the importance of connecting the pieces of our lives so we may feel whole. They are each other’s pieces they both need to be completed at the same time. Now, to an extent only they can measure themselves, they finally have.
Though understandably shy and reserved in the presence of his father, one can feel and see in Lj’s eyes the joy he feels. His father dotes on him the whole time, making up for the years he was not around him physically. His eyes water as he lovingly looks at and holds his now grown-up baby boy.
“I am proud of what he has achieved in his sport. I know he had to go through the lower-level competitions before being able to qualify for this level. I am very happy about finally seeing him”, Mr. Joel Yosores talks of Lj as he beams with pride. He also added that seeing Lj today makes him realize even more how much he wants to give him a good life and provide everything he needs and will ever need to the best of his ability.
A father finally sees his son in the flesh, and a son finally gets to feel what it is like to have his father next to him. Today is their first meeting, a core memory for both. Today is their first meeting, the first of countless more.
It is such a moving realization how Lj’s participation in CVIRAA 2024 became an instrument in the long-awaited reunion with his father. The essence of this competition truly goes beyond the medals and the trophies. As our theme for this year reflects, all of these are truly beyond sports. Through this, one meets new people, fosters relationships, improves and develops character – and in Lj’s case today: reconnects with a family.
Beyond sports, indeed.
Indeed, beyond sports!