Hippie Holiday!

The 26th of November

All the love my deary.

Late Happy birthday Santino!
from your proud Ninong/Tito

A PRAYER FOR RAM

Whenever I see the sign saying “Pray hard, it works!” a feeling of assurance always comes into me. Indeed, a prayer that comes from the soul is powerful. We all turn to prayers whenever we are faced by dilemmas of life. We pray when we’re happy. We pray when were lost and afraid. Many times I have mentioned in this blog that prayer is my best ally. It feels good articulating what I have in mind. Knowing that it’s God listening to my every word helps me create a perspective on some tangled things that I am dealing with.

I believe that a prayer, short or done in long hours, can move a mileage of moments in one’s life.

One dear friend needs my prayer right now. Sarah, a college friend, has a brother named Ram who is currently suffering from disease that is very tough to deal with. The clear medical term of the disease is not defined to me, but Sarah told me in one of our YM conversations that it breaks her heart seeing how Ram goes through very painful episodes in the hospital. I could feel Sarah’s pain and I could sense her fear. I am very emotional when it comes to family and friends. Its sad knowing that someone dear to me is dealing with a storm of life. I have known Ram because of some school projects we did in Sarah’s house. The boy is very gentle and I could tell that he is growing on the right path. I couldn’t imagine him suffering from severe pain - Just like I couldn’t take any of my nephews going through the same situation.

I have been praying for Ram since I learned about his situation. I have been lighting candles for him. But I know that if more voices will appeal to God and ask Him to heal Ram, the boy’s early recovery is highly possible.

I appeal to your good heart to please post a short prayer on the comment segment of this post. You may be a stranger to Ram, but your concern will help create our grand appeal to God. I am positive that Ram will soon be okay. I am positive that God will stay with Sarah and her family all throughout this trying moment.

FATHER EVERY TWO YEARS

“Hindi nyo naranasan ang kagaguhan ng tatay nyo habang lumalaki kayo, ngayong nandito ako makikita nyo!”

Midnight, and his voice is trembling all over the house. My brother just got scolded from being awake doing kitchen rampage for midnight snack (which is basically, his daily routine) making lots of noise which disturbed the man’s sleep. For quite a long time, I have been accustomed living without a father. And so, a trembling voice injected fear in me. I was scared even if I’m aware the shout is not directed to me.

17 years. My father worked abroad for those long years. He would have 2 months of vacation every two years. I have to admit, I am not entirely aware of the person in him. All I know is he has been a good son to his parents, a good husband to my mom and a good provider to us. I said provider, not father. I don’t know, but I feel awkward having him around. It sucks, but it feels like we have a stranger in the house. I know this is a typical “Anak” plot, but I never thought I’d contain a symmetrical character.

I want to burst and tell him- this has been the way we live for years of your physical absence, so don’t expect us to change just because your around! But that would be rude even if i use “po” in between my lines. Above all, it’s not right for us to question his absence because he left to provide for us and that’s what a father would do. I just resent the fact that we are not that close. I hate the idea of sitting with him in the table and be silent all the time.

He has been taking medicines, he has been going back to the hospital because his a little sick. He looks sad all the time because the doctor told him to stop smoking. I know how hard it is for a smoker to suddenly drop the habit. I wish i could somehow tap him in the back and say, “okay lang yan ‘tay! Here’s a gum.”

MY CHRISTMAS

Finally, I have this opportunity to blog again. For the past few days, my blogging was a little erratic because of work and urgent preparations for Christmas. I know Christmas is done and over and its quite a sure thing that all of us had a blast- still I would like to greet you all a very warm and happy Christmas!

It has been my mother’s aim to always hold a family gathering in our house every Christmas day. Well, this is only the second year that we held a sort of Christmas party in our house and we are all looking forward to keep it as a yearly holiday tradition. It’s nice having fine time with relatives who have been away not just because of proximity but also because of time. There may be a mix of sad and happy stories on the talks, but the idea of sharing moments and year-long anecdotes are simply priceless. Now, to make the gathering a little tummy-friendly, we prepared meals which are western-inspired. My eldest sister took the place of our head chef and cooked roasted chicken, spring rolls, tomato and mushroom pasta, garlic bread, some chicken soup, and macaroni salad. The night before, we had red wine and cheese just to stay up until midnight of the 24^th.

Now, our house was filled with kids who can’t wait to open their gifts. Good thing that I am wonderfully armed with gifts for grown-ups, kids, “inaanaks”, family, friends and neighbours. I went a little away from my set budget but I ignored the wallet slimming because I always find join in giving. A warm gratitude and a genuine smile will always inject positivity in me. I especially enjoyed the moment when kids gone crazy as I hand them loot bags of candies and chocolates as my final gifts to everyone.

A find this long holiday break so nice because I can rest and catch up on my tons of readings and yeah, blog away. Also this can give me moments to reflect on how 2008 went about and how can I make 2009 a better year for me. Opps, New Year is a different thing, so better cap this off with a hope for merrier Christmas next year. I hope you guys had a really happy celebration, and of course took time to visit the church along with all the eating and drinking.