As easy as 1,2 & 3

Is it always a question of who's right and who's wrong... or of who's dumb and who's intelligent... I dare ask this questions because apart from money, these has been the point of discussion if not, the quarrel for most of the time between husbands & wives. I say, it is never a question of who's right or who is wrong but rather a question of "is it the right thing to do?" and "will it be a beneficial to all members of the family? These simple questions should somehow be answered before the conclusion of every plan, decision and actions that we undertake as caretakers of our family. Each of us (husband & wife) has to do our part in building the lives of our children and that of our family as a whole. We should, likewise, be responsible for every mistake that we do and every wrong word that we say because what we do or say that hurts them now can still hurt them in the future. The grinds of daily life are sometimes too much to take, we get tired, we get bored and we get fed up with the usual routine but that’s just the way it is. You will have to find a way somehow to make your daily toils interesting, fulfilling and not boring. Raising a family requires a lot of hard work, sacrifices and even tears. The happy part is knowing that at the end of the line, we can all say, “I have done my part”.

I say also that being wrong doesn't have to always mean that you’re sorry, I say acknowledge the mistake, learn from it and move on. If you say sorry, then I guess one must be sincere in seeking the apology. Saying sorry is a whole lot different from BEING sorry. There’s a world of difference between the two.

In conclusion, family life, especially with children is no joke, never was and never will be. What could be tougher, raising a family with both husband and wife helping each other out OR raising the children all by your lonesome? I will hold forever in high esteem the single parents who single-handedly raise their children. That is hard and sure is one tough act to follow but, there will always be something missing in the balance. And that is the presence of one (spouse) to complete the whole equation. Differences can be settled with the proper communication and with God in between. I say proper because as grown ups, it is but right that we talk in such a manner that is not disrespectful and degrading. Everything is an easy task as long as we let the Lord in on our lives. Just let Him take control and everything will be as easy as 1,2 and 3.

Christmas in November

the old lady has come and gone. left for manila yesterday. it was such a great three (3) days with her. we weren't able to talk that much owing to my limited time, but i will cherish always those three days she spent with us, me and my kids... talking, laughing, and cooking (yes! she cooked something for my kids). was just so happy that in spite of her age, she was still sprightly and in good health. i can't help but be teary eyed as i look at her now. the face that once was so strict looking has lost its fierceness and that booming voice that used to quiet us (me and my siblings) and was so authoritative then has suddenly turned soft. the lines showing on her face are more prominent now than the last time i saw her back in '05. however, that chinese-ilokana look that has so captivated my dad was still present. still beautiful at 70 even with all the hardships that she went through in life and in raising us, her children. mama, if you could read this, i would like to thank you for coming over. for me, it was like christmas in november. i have told you this before but let me just repeat it again. i'm sorry for all the pain that i have caused you. what you have told me as regards to my kids will be remembered and implemented (mama knows best) and i assure you that i will try my very best for history not to repeat itself. i love you mama.

GOOD NEWS!!!

now here's a bit of a good news. my brother, the youngest one, called me up last night to inform me that he will be coming over to mindanao next week to accompany someone and he'll be making a side trip to my place and guess who he's taking along for the visit, MY MOM! i was so elated that the old lady (still sprightly at 70) will be coming over. last time i saw her was in '05, my last visit to manila. this will be the first time that she'll be coming over since our move here in mindanao. the first time also that she will be able to meet in person my youngest daughter who was "made in mindanao". just one of two grand daughters, all the rest are boys (6 of them). my kids are so excited they can't wait until monday. especially so for my two boys who she last saw when they were 3 and 1 yr. old. now they are 11 and 9. that makes it 8 years that she wasn't able to see them. but i guess i'm the most excited seeing her again. timing is just perfect! and in this times that we are economically challenged, i am so thankful to the Lord for this. just the perfect gift for Christmas!