Gift of Life

Last night, I found out that a person I knew just passed away. He had a heart attack last week. I could not stop thinking about him because exactly three months ago he was at my father’s wake trying to help out. Who would ever think that he will be gone?  Truly death comes like a thief in the night.

At this point in my life, I just figured out my greatest fear. To see a loved one gone, and the thought of leaving my family behind. With my father’s passing, I often think about things pertaining to the after life, about our existence, and some other “weird” things. It is like seeing things differently. Talking to my  husband keeps me grounded. He would plainly state that it is the reality of life. So he does not really think or worry about it. That it is something that we should accept. Maybe I am just about to learn that step.

Last night I told him about one of the things I always pray for. And I said he should pray the same thing so it makes us two. I said I hope we will be blessed together with a long life (I state specifically at least 90 years old) so we can see our children and grand children grow. He replied, “Whatever is God’s will.”

Now, when I kiss or embrace my family, it feels more than that. When I say some good words to a friend or to a relative, I truly mean it. Slowly, my heart is learning how to forgive and how to sing to each waking moment.

This song was in my head when I woke up and I feel the need to share it. It is a beautiful Filipino gospel song. I really love the acoustic version but unfortunately, there is no vocal. For non-Filipino speakers, I included an English translation below. I hope you do enjoy the music.

Sino Ako?

Hiram sa Diyos ang aking buhay
Ikaw at ako’y tanging handog lamang
Di ko ninais na ako’y isilang
Ngunit salamat dahil my buhay
Ligaya ko na ako’y isilang
Pagkat tao ay mayroong dangal
Sino’ng may pag-ibig?
Sino’ng nagmahal?Kun’di ang tao Diyos ang pinagmulan

Kun’di ako umiibig
Kundi ko man bigyang halaga
Ang buhay na handog
Ang buhay kong hiram sa Diyos
Kundi ako nagmahal
Sino Ako?

Who Am I? (English translation)

My life is only borrowed from God
We’re only a living sacrifice
I did not wish to be born but it’s
A God given blessing to have a life
I am glad that I was born…
I am born with dignity
I have love and I know how to love
Because God first loved me

If I didn’t know how to love
If I didn’t know how to be grateful of
The life that God has given me
Then what is my worth?

Blog Awards in Six Months

The Best Gifts Ever!

My dear dad and step mom called me on the phone. I was very glad to hear from my dad. He was very ill last year, and now he undergoes kidney dialysis. He is so much better. My heart was leaping for joy to hear his voice especially when he said, “How can I forget this day?”

My mother and sister called me using Facetime. I was very happy to see them too. I usually think of my mom on my birthday. I know the pain of giving birth! Kudos to her!

My brother, his wife, and my nieces greeted me too. They updated me of the good news happening in their lives. I am happier to know that they are doing well in life.

My best friend, Larmee emailed me saying she screwed up with her birthday surprise. She said she put my email address instead of hers in the billing notification for whatever surprise that she has for me. I was clueless until she sent  me that email. That way, she screwed up with the surprise. Not a surprise anymore!!! hahaha!

I do not use Facebook anymore so there is no reminder to everyone that it is my birthday. So I truly appreciate the people who exerted effort to text me instead or leave me messages saying their warm wishes. And for those who are not good with remembering dates (just like me), I know they will greet me once they remember or find out! Not a problem with me!

This morning my two kids were singing me a birthday song. These human beings who literally were a part of my body, who came from me… It is music to my ears to hear them sing.

After dropping off my son to school, I invited three of my friends to join me for breakfast at home. I was happy to be with them. A company of good friends is really valuable.

Tonight, my family will just eat out. So no cooking dinner for me today!

I decided not to run on the treadmill, not to do the laundry today. I will sit back and relax. I lit up a candle on my altar and said a prayer. Actually, I just said THANK YOU.

I do not own fancy things. Remember I am Miss Thrift Shopper!  And I do not need expensive stuff as gifts. Family, friends, peace of mind, quiet time are the BEST GIFTS ever!  Indeed, these are priceless. I will never trade for anything in the world.

Photo Credit:www.littlestepsasia.com

And of course, I would like to mention all the bloggers who sent me their birthday wishes too. You are all strangers but we are all connected to each other and have something in common here….WRITING.  I truly appreciate your time and your kind words!

God bless us everyone! Keep blogging, Keep inspiring!!!

The Day Begins

I heard the birds sing this morning. I always hear them at around six. They sing in chorus and the song gets louder. Everyday, it feels like they are waking us up and  rejoicing for another day has come.

My heart leaps for joy knowing that I am alive. I try to open my eyes. My mind is a blank slate. It takes a while for me to remember what day it is. It takes some processing to figure out what to do, does my son go to school? Is my husband going to work  or is it a weekend and there is no need to rush? Before I get up:

Dear God, thank you

For the sunrise

For the strength and the health to live another day

For keeping everyone safe through the night

For the restful sleep

For this busy day

For the quiet moments

For the hopes, plans, dreams, and inspiration

For the realizations and all other things in my head

For my family and friends

For myself

Please bless us and keep us all under your loving care

Under Your loving protection

Bless us with a beautiful day

Amen.

Then I rush to the washroom and work in my kitchen. My day begins.

Happy Monday, have a blessed Holy Week, Restful Vacation, Wonderful Week!