Thoughts from the Heart of a Mom!

How time flies...two days from now, we will celebrate Mother's Day again....hmmm...I just want to share my thoughts in this blog.  

"Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself. They come through you, but not from you.
And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may house their bodies, but not souls.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The Archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness; for even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable."

- Kahlil Gibran -

I am a lover of Gibran's works and writings. His eloquence and depth in how he expresses his thoughts is no doubt excellent and amazing. I admire this profound and amazing poet because of his style in writing.

Children are blessings from GOD. They are gifts that we should cherish as parents because they come only through us...they are not ours, they are God's. Someday God will bring them home to His kingdom and so while they are still with us, we have to cherish every moment.  We should therefore express our unconditional and undying LOVE, a love beyond compare, a love that is priceless and make them feel our CARE for them before they go.

with Ivan, my youngest child...

As a mother of four children, I feel so blessed because I know that they are the essence of my being a mother. As I come to think of my kids,  I know God chose me to be their mother.  I need therefore to serve my purpose in life because of them. From the moment they were born, I have embraced them with love and care along with the responsibilities. Yes, it is NOT at all easy to be a mom and a parent... Indeed, raising four children is very challenging...hmmm...bottomline is...every child is different and so I have to accept each of them in their unique personality and individuality.  

                                                                                                                                     

In my journey as a parent, sometimes I would encounter trying situations that I really have to hurdle with patience, with understanding and with love. Most of the time, I end up giving my full trust and faith in the Lord especially during difficult situations. Truly, as a mom of 3 boys and a girl is NOT easy, but with the grace of God I know that I will be able to manage because I believe God chose me to be the mother of these kids.  

"I cannot live your life for you." are the words I always tell my children even at their young age. I always tell them that everyday in life, they will have to make choices and decisions and that these will have a bearing on the kind of life they will have at present and in the future. As a mom I am always there to guide them, though in the end, it will still be their call.  Well, I am a mom who is compassionate, gentle and strict when there is a need for me to be one. Hmmm...I am a disciplinarian...I still believe in "old school" and so  I practice it although there are also times that I am a "cool" mom to them.  

As a mom, I let them discover what life is, however, I make sure that they follow some rules in life and that they apply the values I and their father have taught them. Well, I just hope that someday these values will become their convictions and their principles in life. I am just happy seeing some of these values in them...they are polite and respectful to other people...they are compassionate too and friendly. It gives me joy when I see them share their blessings to other people.

In my heart, I believe I have raised them to be God fearing and virtuous children. I know that my legacy , which is to help other people, will forever live in their hearts. As a mom,  this gives me so much JOY and I just thank GOD for giving me these children in my life. Truly, CHILDREN are GIFTS from GOD!

One of the wonderful feelings I have in life is to be a mom.  I always look forward to occasions like Mother's Day, Christmas, my birthday and other special occasions because I feel my value as a mother during these occasions.  

As we celebrate this year's Mother's Day, I can't help but think of my mother.  To my MOTHER who has given me LIFE, THANK YOU for the gift of YOU in my life, I appreciate all the things that you have done for me and the things that you continue to do.  Thank you for listening to my concerns, for teaching me values, for all the support, the care and the unconditional LOVE you give me and my family. I will never be as blessed as I am without you teaching me the value of being grateful for God's blessings. Thank you for rejoicing with me in my triumphs and for sharing also in my loneliness and sadness whenever I am down spirited.  I LOVE YOU, MANG, Happy Mother's Day Po!

                HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS AROUND THE WORLD.  

Just Trying to Express...

I woke up in the wee hours and had these thoughts in mind...Just want to share them with you....

1. I think of myself as being independent, open-minded, sincere, truthful, loving and caring and most of all...nice and friendly lady.

2. My best strengths are my charisma, my good and effective communication skills, my attitude and character, my wisdom and discernment over matters and circumstances I am faced with.

3. What keeps me going is my passion and zest for life. My desire to make sense and make a difference in my life and in the life of others.

4. If I could do anything I wanted to do, I would go to all people who are less fortunate and address all their needs. If I could only do this, I will be the happiest person in this world because I believe it is in making others happy that we find fulfillment and joy in our hearts.

5. I feel that I am special to someone when he/she gives me time and surprises. I love surprises...one just have to make sure that I will really be surprised. I know I am special because I will be able to feel it.

6. I wish people will see me as a person who is easy to get along with. A lady who is compassionate, nice and kind. . . somebody who has wisdom and intelligence ... and who is happy and contented in life.

7. I believe that nobody's life is entirely free of pain and sorrow. It is about learning to live with them rather than trying to avoid them.

8. I am a person who maintains optimism amidst challenges in life because I am a woman of character. I will always consider challenges as liberating experiences.

9. My goal in life is to be able to serve a life with a sense of purpose.

10. Before my life is over, I want to leave a legacy because I want the goodness in me to continue in this world we live in.

mom in japan

The Child...

reaching for the STAR
the child runs, falls and gets up
a smile on her face

mbg 2/24/11

Haikus...

Abandoned children, Falling in line as they walk… Isn’t life UNFAIR?

Fallen Leaf

like a fallen leaf
soon in life she will be one
with WISDOM she goes

mbg 2/24/11

Butterfly

fearless butterfly
attractive and enchanting
MYSTERIOUS it is

mbg 2/24/11

Lost Crow

a crow on the park
wondering where the rest are
SILENCE in the air

mbg 2/24/11

Love

emotions so deep
sinking at the core of hearts
LOVE is forbidden

mbg 2/24/11

WaNt tO bE hApPy? HeRe'S hOw...

What is happiness? Happiness is simply an emotional state of feeling good, of being free from pain and unpleasant emotions.

I am basically a happy person, always ready to smile to somebody. With my family and friends, I am always the one who would make them laugh...HAHA...and I find joy seeing them laughing out loud (LOL) with what I say. Whenever I am with them, there will always be moments where a roaring of laughter is heard...they laugh to their heart's desire...

There are simple things that can make us happy, no effort needed. Remember, we are in control of our life. How we live our life depends on us...so how we can be happy each day would really depend on us. To be happy is a matter or choice...hmmm...If we want to be happy we need to take full responsibility for our emotional response to our circumstances in life. Nobody has the power to make us happy or unhappy except us...the choice is ours alone.

I just want to share my perspective on how I make myself happy...I hope this post helps!

1. I always believe that everyday is a blessing! Every time I wake up in the morning I feel blessed. This makes me smile and sets me in mood to have a great day ahead.

2. I rejoice and feel happy in the success and achievements of friends and other people, laugh with them, celebrate with them, thank the Lord with them for the blessings they receive in life. If you are a friend, you will be happy as well with their victory or triumph in life.

3. I love being with nature because to commune with nature is refreshing. I appreciate the beauty of God's creation whenever I am with nature. I am happy seeing it and reflecting sometimes about life which gives me joy in my heart.


4. I keep good company and avoid bad company. I am selective with the people I go with. I am most happy with people who have positive outlook in life. People who are easy to laugh and who can be themselves in whatever situation. People who are sincere, no hang ups, no pretensions. Bad company corrupts good morals.


5. I keep life simple the very reason why I enjoy every moment. Simplify life. Live simply. I do not complicate life by having many wants. Sometimes we get disappointed because we are not able to satisfy all our wants. Live at present. Forget the past and do not think of the future. Seize the moment. "CARPE DIEM!"

6. Laugh when there is a need to laugh and cry when you just feel like crying. I am always true to yourself. I am a woman who speaks her mind. I do not repress or suppress my emotions because I know this is not healthy at all. I  honor my feelings because these make me happy.

7. Always be grateful. I always say thank you to people and to God. Appreciate the effort and the favors done by them for me.  I express my heartfelt thanks for anything that they give me...even the time spent with me.  Most of all I give thanks with a grateful heart to the Lord.

8. Walk, jump, and run whenever you feel like doing it. Whenever I do these, I make sure that I enjoy doing them. I do these things like a child and I feel young at heart.

9. Eat ice cream even if it is a freezing day. Follow your heart's desire. I do this. I am actually eating ice cream now while writing this article.

10. Read a good book. One of the things I love to do is reading. I read a lot. This is the reason why I get to write things because reading has really helped me a lot in my writing. I am happy every time I encounter inspirational articles.

11. Recognize your strengths as a person. I always use my strengths to overcome my weaknesses...haha...Sometimes I capitalize on my assets, make use of these for me to have confidence. This always works to my advantage...I feel good after.

12. Watch a good movie with friends. Whenever I watch movies with friends, after watching the film, we get to talk about it and laugh at some of the scenes.

13. Indulge yourself with your favorite hobby. If you want photography, dancing, singing, cooking, etc...find time for this. I do things that interest me. I love photography. Whenever I see the captured moment or the subject in the photo, I feel happy viewing them.

14. I often do an act of kindness...extend help, reach out and touch lives. Immerse yourself to the poorest of the poor and share your blessings. The feeling you will get after is absolutely self-fulfilling you will have joy in your heart because you have made others happy by making a difference in them at that particular moment.

15. Forgive. I do not keep grudges  and keep a record of wrongs. I always remind myself  that I will always encounter people who will hurt me because of man's imperfections, limitations, shortcomings and weaknesses. Forgiveness cleanses my heart.

16.  I have learned to count my blessings.  I am grateful of what I have and I do not focus on what is not there.  I do not focus on  my problems...this makes me happier.  I believe tat I am in control of my thoughts and actions. I am thankful of my life  because there are more people whose lives are miserable.  Am I not glad because I am not among them?

Changes in Life...

Really...can we stop changes in life? hmmm...

After almost two years of not seeing my sons, finally I was able to be with them. I was so happy upon seeing them and my hubby at Narita Airport in Tokyo last February 12, 2011. It was a moment of joy, of excitement and a heart-warming experience to see my children after a couple of years. It was indeed an awesome feeling.

As I look at them, I can see that Gerald has grown bigger than his usual physical built...Gene's built has remained though. They are both looking good. I can see in their faces that they love being and working in Japan. Probably because of the pay they get, the technology, the food the weather and the clean and peaceful environment.

How time flies, indeed! Few years ago, both were jobless in the Philippines. Then, they would ask me money to buy something, ask me what food I prepared, and usually Gerald would just stay home playing his flute and his PSP, while Gene would love to spend his time with friends. Both were very dependent, not being able to sometimes make their own choices and decisions in life.

Changes are evident because now it's different. They are now working and earning their own money. Now they know their money's worth. Now they are more independent...they have to. Hmm...to work in other countries really requires one to be empowered.

As I watch them prepare for work everyday, I can't help but recall the days when they were still in their elementary days. I used to prepare things for them, give them money and help them in their school work. Now it's no longer that way. They are the ones giving me money now. I love this...haha. They now pay for the stuffs I get from the malls and pay for the food we eat.

As a mother, in my heart, this gives me joy. The thought that they already have a job. What is heart warming is, they are generous. I love their ways of sharing their blessings to our relatives and to others who are in need not only during Christmas but also at times when somebody needs financial help.

Truly, how time flies...and with the time are the CHANGES IN LIFE...

Isang Pag-alala...

Bakit nga ba me mga taong dumarating sa ating buhay na sa pagdating ng takdang panahon sila din ay lilisan? Hindi ba maaring sila ay manatili sa ating piling upang tayo ay di mangulila sa kanila?

Walong taon na rin ang nakakaraan ng pumanaw ang aking biyenan. Ang inang umaruga at gumabay sa amin at sa aking mga anak. Tandang tanda ko pa ang masasayang ala ala ng s'ya ay kapiling pa namin. Malugud n'ya kaming sinamahan ng aking asawa sa pagpapalaki sa aming apat na anak. Hindi lang s'ya isang mabuting ina, isa rin s'yang lolang mapagmahal sa kanyang mga apo.

Hindi ko makakalimutan ang pag aasikaso at pagmamahal na nadama ko sa loob ng labing pitong taon naming pagsasama. Nananatili pa sa aking isipan ang mga pagkakataong ako ay kanyang ipagluto ng pagkaing gustong gusto ko at ibili ng mga prutas na aking paborito. Mga paraang naramdaman ko sa aking puso na mahalaga ako sa kanya at ako ay mahal n'ya. Nakaka miss ang mga bagay na ito kung kaya't ako ay lubhang nalulungkot sa aking pag alala sa kanya.

Sa aking pagbabalik ala ala, buhay pa sa aking isipan ang mga pagkakataong s'ya ay napapasaya ko sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng pagkain, damit, kung ano ano pang alam kong kanyang ikakatuwa. Natatandaan ko pa na bakas sa kanyang mukha ang kaligayahan sa tuwing s'ya ay bibigyan mo ng regalo sa kanyang kaarawan at aginaldo sa araw ng pasko. Ilang kaarawan na rin at ilang pasko na, na wala na akong binibigyan at ito ay isang nakaugalian ko na, na aking hinahanap hanap. Nakakalungkot isipin na wala na ang taong ito at di na namin s'ya kailanman makakapiling.

Sadya nga po sigurong mahirap makalimutan ang mga araw ng s'ya ay aming nakapiling. Yung mga panahong s'ya ay nagkasakit at naging paralitiko ng dalawang taon, na kung saan amin s'yang inalagaan hanggang sa huling sandali ng kanyang buhay. Mga panahong nagibigay ng pagsubok sa aming pamilya at nagbigay ng hamon sa aming kakayahan upang ibigay ang attention at pag aarugang kanyang kinakailangan. Mga ala alang kung saan kami ay nabigyan ng pagkakataon na ipadama ang aming pagmamahal at pagkalinga.

Sa buhay, ang mga taong nagpahalaga at nagmahal sa iyo ay tunay ngang mahirap makalimutan. Mga taong naging bahagi na ng buhay mo. Wala na nga s'ya...wala na kaming tatawaging "Ima" ngunit ang kanyang alala ay mananatili sa aming mga puso habang kami ay nabubuhay sa mundo.

Sa pagkakataong ito muli kong ginugunita ang lahat ng mga ala-alang kanyang iniwan. Maaring s'ya ay wala na sa aming piling, pero ang mga pagkakataong amin s'yang nakasama ay mananatiling buhay sa aming mga puso at isipan. Sadyang ako ay pinapagpala dahil minsan s'ya ay aking nakasama at nakapiling. Maaaring nasa kabilang buhay man s'ya ngayon, ngunit sa aming kanyang iniwan, mananatiling buhay ang kanyang mga alaala.

Sa kanyang Araw ng Kamatayan, amin s'yang inaalala sa pamamagitan ng pag-aalay ng dasal sa ating Poong Maykapal. Amin ding inaalay ang taos puso naming pasasalamat sa lahat lahat ng biyayang aming tinatamasa ngayon. Nang dahil sa kanya naging maganda at naging makahulugan ang aming paglalakbay sa buhay. Maraming Salamat "Ima" sa magandang kinabukasang iyong pinamana. Maraming salamat sa pagmamahal na aming nadama...!

We LOVE you po and we MISS you. Sana patuloy mo kaming gabayan kahit nasaan ka man ngayon.

HAPPY DEATH ANNIVERSARY,"IMA"!

My Convictions On LOVE...

LOVE has taught me to be patient, to endure, to understand, to give myself more because its real essence is to love unconditionally...

I have realized that sincere and true LOVE is to care for the happiness of other people, to forgive others for their wrongdoings, to accept what can't be changed.

One cannot give what she or he does NOT have. People who have so much love in their hearts can give more because they have so much to give.

LOVE has made me understand that it does NOT set rules nor standards, that it does NOT look into one's stature in life, for when one feels it and honors it, he or she becomes SHORT OF REASONS to justify what he/she feels.

LOVE has taught me to understand people who defies reasons because of it...


LOVE is UNCONVENTIONAL...

It DEFIES all REASONS.

It defies HUMAN DEFINITIONS...

Yet, DEFINES our HUMAN EXISTENCE.

It has its distinct ESSENCE…

The DVD Boy....

Last night, I was out with my friend Pey for a dinner for us to be together before I fly to Japan. So, we went to Northwalk in intersection in the City of San Fernando Pampanga. After our dinner, we decided to have coffee to continue our bonding moment.

Pey bought coffee and we sat in one of the seats around Northwalk and took our pictures. After a while, we want to have our pictures taken...the two of us. We saw a boy approaching... selling DVDs, so we asked him to take our picture. After taking our picture, he asked us to buy DVDs. I was not focused on the DVDs he was selling... instead, I started asking him some questions.

I first ask how old is he, and he said he is eight (8) years old. The next question was if he is still in school, and he answered that he is in Grade 2. I became interested about the boy, so I continued asking him questions. I found out that his parents are in prison cell and that he stays with his uncle. I also came to know that he has 9 siblings and that he is not staying with them at the moment. He stays with his grandparents.

In our conversation, I found out that he walks his way to work sometimes.  He goes to school from 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM. After hiss class, he would sell DVDs. He said that sometimes nobody buys DVDs and this makes him miss his classes because he has no money for his fare.

As I listen to his story, I can't help but have compassion for him...I was really touched. I can't imagine at his age, he is already working hard to support his studies. I really do not know what to feel. I asked further how is he treated by his uncle and he said that his uncle and aunt are kind. I told him to buy the materials he needed for his project with the money I gave him and that he has to go home early...anyway he has already money for his school needs. He said yes, he will go home at 12:00 midnight. Usually, if nobody buys he would stay until the morning... selling.

I have witnessed how the child defies poverty through his effort and perseverance, with his hard, diligent, persistent and strategic struggle.  As I put myself to rest,  I can still remember vividly his face, and so I offered a  prayer for him... that someday I his dreams will come true. Truly, defying poverty is a struggle...how many of these kids do we have around? What can we do then so we can help? hmmm...the call is there...All we need is to ANSWER the CALL!



                NOVEMBER 21, 2012.....MY SECOND ENCOUNTER WITH THE DVD BOY...

My friend, Sis Airene asked me for a cup of coffee at Northwalk, and to my surprise I saw this young boy again for the second time.  I never thought that I would see him again in the same place at almost the same time when I met him before I went to Japan last February of 211 and I was surprised to see him after almost 2 years.

Hmmm....as I look at him, I had rambling thoughts...I was thinking about how is he now, and so I asked him  if he is still in school, and he said, "yes." I said, "that is good." The next thing I did was to make him recall the first time we saw each other...I told him that I already met him before and asked if he can still remember me.  He said, yes.

As I asked him some questions, I noticed that he was not wearing his slippers, and so I asked if he has one.  He said that his slippers are just there...pointing to a corner.  I asked him why he is in his bare feet...and he said, his slippers are too big, and so he doesn't want to wear these.  I told him that he has to wear them because it is raining and because the cement is cold.  So he hurriedly went to the corner where he left his slippers and wear them.

He went back to me after that.  I told him that he has to go home because it is already late...and he said he will, as soon as somebody will buy his DVD's.  He said that he needs money for his school needs and so the need for him to sell the DVD's.

I was touched and realized my social responsibility to this young child and so I shared my blessings.   As I look at him, I told him to go home and have a rest.

As I write tonight...I have realized that the young boy is really determined to continue his studies.  I saw his persistence and his determination.  As I try to think about his situation, I came to think about my concern. After a few moments,  I have realized that this young boy has just affirmed my decision, my decision to  have my focus on my work and my mission. With my encounter with him tonight, I know that God's message to me is clear...that my choice and decision is right. I thank the kid for showing up to me because my thoughts were affirmed.

With this encounter and experience with the young boy, once again I felt God's presence in my work and in my mission.  I am grateful indeed for the encounter, and I thank God for the opportunity to do an act of kindness, to express compassion to him and for the affirmation of my decision.  Truly, God works in mysterious ways.  We just have to believe and recognize His presence in everything we do,  that He is always there WITH us and FOR us.  As I end the night, my heart says; THANK you LORD for the wonderful encounter and for the awesome DAY!