The Joy of the Ripen Years....

My father surrounded by his grandchildren....

When I was in my really young years, I had never thought how lonely it would be when we grow up in years. Now as I look at my fast aging Tatay, I could not imagine myself battling my own  feeling of uncertainty. I believe our life is full of uncertainties that oftentimes erode our inner strength. The only thing that keeps us going is the faith in our heart that always shines through all those moments. But what if  in your ripen years nobody cares to pump up your depleted spirit?

I guess my parents made the right decision when they decided to nurture a "big" family at the beginning. To me, no amount of money can ever substitute the love we give to our parents. To love does not mean to give material things because what lifts our spirit is something that our eyes can never see. It's the intangible that touches the very soul of the person. Quality time spent with each other with no conditions, is the best family time that boosts everyone to become a nurturing being.

The picture of Tatay shows that he is happy, despite of Nanay's passing away few months ago. Needless to say what paints the happiness on his deep-furrowed face. The joy of his ripen years is coming from the angels who surround him and for whom my brothers and sisters have ushered in to this world.

The Joy of the Ripen Years....

Get-Together with the Bishop Of Tandag

People from the same place usually gather together to celebrate fiesta, birthdays or whatever. But I consider it very seldom and one of the rarest moment when people gather because the Bishop from where they come from visits them. It's very rare. And it happened here in the Bay Area when most Surigaonons, if not all, met at St. Justin Parish to hear mass celebrated by Bishop Nerio Odchimar of the Diocese of Tandag. With him was Msgr. Cid Irizari who used to be the Parish Priest of the town where I come from. The mass was simple and very modest but what was important was the presence of two great men from our diocese.

After the mass, we were able to hold a small pot luck which surprisingly had a great support from the Bay Area group of  Surigaonon. We had it at the small hall behind the Parish Church. The outpouring of  support was shown in the abundance of food on the table and the amount collected to support the construction of San Nicolas de Tolentino Shrine in Tandag. Although not everybody made it to the gathering,  their spirits were celebrating with us, for sure. It was on a Saturday of August 13th and a lot of people were at work. I lucked out that my request for day off that day was granted.

The picture on the left shows Msgr. Irizari's relatives posing with him after lunch for souvenir. To the right is  the Barobo group where Fr. Cid Irizari, now a Monsignor,  served for several years as Priest leading the Mother of Mercy Parish.

Of course, we could not let this passing moment go by without souvenir pictures from the visiting Holy men from Surigao del Sur. My spirit was jumping with joy even just with the thought that they were coming. I was so overwhelmed when Msgr. Cid told me on the phone that they would stop at our house for coffee. It was truly a blessing for me and for my husband.

Before that day, I mentioned to my hubby and Ate Nelia about the blessing of our house but I dismissed the idea thinking that their visit was already a grace from God. But when they were there, OMG! I could not decide when Ate Nelia mentioned it to the Bishop. But I felt the spark inside and my mind and heart spoke... NOW or NEVER! So our house was finally blessed by the Big names from the Diocese of Tandag. Actually, Bishop Nerio Odchimar is the current president of the CBCP. His coming to the area was only a side trip from his major trip in Denver, Colorado for the State Dinner of the Knights of Columbus.

It was really a blessed day for me to cherish... as long as I live. I never know if there is going to be a repeat of the same exact event that took place on that day. Only God knows. Until now, I am still overjoyed!

Get-Together with the Bishop Of Tandag

Photo Book

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Photo Book

Life is too short....

In May 2009, I went home with hubby to celebrate my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary and at the same time, my church wedding. It was one of the most unforgettable moments in my life to be able to celebrate two important events at the same time with my family.

Last month, I went home not to celebrate but to mourn for losing Nanay. It was exactly the opposite of what happened two years ago.

I just never had the slightest clue that it was my last chance to see my mother alive. It was so sad that I had never spent more of my time with her and Tatay on that visit. Hubby and I stayed only for a week in my place but we never stayed at my parent's house. We chose to stay in one of my brother's rooms which limited my chance of being with them during my entire stay. I showed up only on meal times, not even at all meal times. Had I known that it was going to be my moment to talk and to laugh with her and to do things for her... OMG!! I should have known but who are we to know the future. 

If I am still feeling the pain and if tears are still rolling down my cheek every time I remember her, it's  for all those moments that I took her for granted. I have never said "I Love You" to her but she knew what's in my heart. But  I could have done much, much more while I was there with her and my father. Life is too short, really very short for everybody who does not see the opportunity to do what is best for the moment. Now I only have her memories and I know that these memories stay forever within me.

Nanay was my best mentor in this vast school of life. I believe she's now home with God in heaven. To you Nay... I LOVE YOU.

Life is too short....

Bike to Work Day 2011

All these pictures were taken on May 12, 2011 in our driveway, getting ready to leave the house. This was his first trip to work  with his new Trek Bike and Giro helmet.

It's been 3 years in a row that hubby participated on the Bike-to-Work Day. At first I thought that it was only for Lockheed Martin employees but it was bigger than what I thought. He told me that on his way, there were water stations that the City of Santa Clara put with people to help the bikers rehydrate and to cheer for them.

Taking off waving, so proud of what he's doing and so proud of his new gear. How he got new things was due to the incident last year. On the same event, he came home on a flat tire. He had an old bike and the helmet he used was from the company. He said that he was a little bit embarrassed because he was the only one using it. Everybody was showing off their nice bikes and biking gear. So I suggested it's time for him to get a new one which he did late last year. He got the helmet from his daughter as a birthday present and I got him the jacket. He bought all the lights and other accessories himself. He knows better what else he needs and  he has the liberty to get them all as he likes. What a spoiled brat!!! At least, he is happy with it and now that the weather is getting better and better, he thinks of going to work more often in his bike. It's a way to save gas and a better workout for him. 

Bike to Work Day 2011