“Who are you, why everyone knows you?”
That was her first question when we bumped to each other on the evening of 23 March 2009, in front of her house.
I explained my long-story-cut-short that I used to make a film here in Bario. But her next reply shocked me.
“I know, my father was one of your actors!”
If fate is at play, this is a coincidence of such beauty. My old actor Tamabuk Ribuh Balang turned out to be his father.
“And my son actually took a picture together with you!”
This, I totally, didn’t expect. I have no recollection of his son, furthermore taken a photo together. But she insisted me and my friend to go in to her house for a drink as she tried to retrieve the picture she claimed.
The tea was nice. The last minute wild-boar floss rice was excellence. The atmosphere was lightened up brilliantly when she suggested to find me a wife. Not that I don’t want to get married…and I have no problem with match-making, but how can she be so sure of who am I and what kind of girl I am suitable for? She hardly knew me, as I justified to myself.
But nothing could ever prepared me for the next thing she was about to say.
“David, do you want to become my son?”
“Are you sure? You hardly know me?”
“I want to have a son like you.”
I nod my head, without knowing what I was doing. My logic system failed to function. I didn’t know what was I doing…but I know…I want to be the son of this Kelabit woman.
And I broke into tears. And she hugged me. I was hugged by my new mommy. I felt safe. And thus, I cried even more.
I have promised to return soon for the ceremony. To officially to become her adopted son. And to receive a Kelabit name of her choice.
Strange. I have always called Bario my home. But I know, it’s only my wish. I don’t belong there.
Now…I am a part of Bario and a son of Kelabit.
Bario has now truly became…my home.
Rose Tagung Aran is her name. A mother that I always wanted.
