Luneta Park: Dad’s unexpected visit

My Dad.

We were riding the Jeepney to visit his good friend in the nearby hospital when he said: “The last time I was here was when you were a baby.”

My Dad, is one of the most kindest and most patient man you’ll ever meet. He worked hard to feed a family of five kids and give all he can to help my Mom and her family. The most generous man I’ve ever met. I learned from him the value of loyalty for the company you work for, to be a good friend to those whom you cherish the most. He said that we need to learn to be more kind and be more compassionate of others.

He worked as a supervisor in a food corporation for 39 years. I am his very proud daughter. And did I mention that he is the extreme opposite of my Mom.

He always tell me to forget the men who broke my heart. Forget them right away. They do not deserve the attention I give them. Yes, I am open to my Mom and my Dad about my relationships. I am lucky to have parents who does not judge me by my decisions and accepts all my flaws and imperfections. I’m so grateful to have them in my life.

Going back to my Dad’s Saturday adventure, after visiting his good friend. We ride a jeep going back to the park. I told Dad that we need to drop off, he looked around and got a little bit excited, so I let him walk today in Luneta Park. If you can only see how his face lights up! God, how I wish I can take him to all the places he would like to go.

While we were walking he said: “They made it bigger and much better than it was before.” then he continued walking along the path smiling.

It would be a wonderful plan to take Dad to other good places too. Places that need him to walk longer and restrooms should be nearer. And the air is fresher. I might need to save more for the family. But for today, I think I did a great job. From a sleepless Friday night for me to a more rewarding Saturday walk in the park with my Dad.

Christmas is just around the corner

Only a week before December starts and a lot of people are into the Holiday Cheer. I hope next year will give us more reason to smile, meet new friends and cherish good memories with old friends and families.

Here in the Philippines, if you’re a catholic we celebrate the Lenten season by going to church either early morning or late at night. In my hometown, we have a festival and we have a band waking people as early as 5 am to let everyone know it’s time to go to church. That’s what we call Misa de Gallo My kids can do that, unfortunately for me I need to work night shift so I’m not able to. But It’s best to encourage teens to experience and participate in the community. By doing so, teens learn to appreciate what they have in their neighborhood. By participating in these activities, it creates good memories too.

Apart from the celebrations within the community my neighbors are organizing a small party for all of us, exchanging gifts for the kids and for the adults, then food sharing.

Inside the house, my kids and I are planning to just keep the celebration simple and we might skip the decorations for this year. It depends really on how you plan it with the kids.

It does not really matter how simple or extravagant we celebrate our holiday season, what matters most is that we are grateful for another year that has passed and we are still together as a family, as a couple (if you’re in a relationship). And that the real message of Christmas is in our thoughts and hearts.

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 niv