Am one person who sees life as a glass half-full more than the other way around. I think that is part of the process of getting older, you get wiser, knowing that you can’t have everything that you wish for in life. Age teaches you acceptance, if not resignation, to what fate has handed you. As they say, if you get lemons make lemonade. I am learning to make the best/most of it. Am way past moping around with my failures and disappointments.
I came from a small town in the northern part of the Philippines. It is a poetic town but the soil is hard and whatever is arable is always plagued by flood and erosion. But the river and the South China Sea helps sustain the hardworking population, that is those who are left behind.
Many left to search greener pastures. To Hawaii, mainland USA, Europe, Australia and lately the Middle East, China, Hong Kong and Singapore.
They say sometimes abundance makes people soft but when there is scarcity, you learn to work harder to get what you dream of. I am not rich, there are many material things am short of and will never attain them in my lifetime. What I lack is overshadowed by my wealth of family and friends who love me, who’ve always been there for me, who’ve not abandoned me in moments when I need them.
This morning, I talked to my high school close friend who lives in Canada and just hang up the phone talking to a former co-worker and we’ve made plans for tomorrow. I will be helping her to cook sweet-sour meatballs which intimidates her and this afternoon am going to see Lincoln with my aunt.
Many of the things I enjoy and appreciate were all handed down to me by my family who’re no longer here. Except for my mother, all of them grew up from that small town in the Philippines. They were ambitious despite their circumstances, they all showed me that there is a bigger and grander world out there and it is up to me to discover them. There were no bars nor limitations that could have stopped me in finding them. In fact they supported me the best way they can. And for them, am always grateful.
To Daily WordPress Challenge, here’s my Thankful entry:
i always enjoy reading your blog. i love your perspective and the wisdom you share. your positivity is contagious. happy thanksgiving.
Hi Chichi, welcome to my blog. Thank you. I am trying to stay positive, the negative drags you down.
Wonderful photos and I love your positive attitude.
Thank you TBM.
Beautiful post that has so much heart in it. Your story reminds me of my family too. of my parents, my sisters, the things we go through. How I wish we have a way to go back and relive these wonderful moments. Indeed family is a blessing we should be thankful everyday.
We have to be grateful of our family because they established the foundation for us, they are a reflection of who we are today. As they always tell us in our culture which is true in any race anyway, we couldn’t be what we are without them. Am truly grateful. When I read your blogs, I understand your sentiments and I admire you for that. Am pretty sure your son will feel the same way when the time comes.
Beautiful blog, B! A grateful heart enhances the beauty of life.
That is so true. You are one inspiration yourself.