Fried rice and camaron rebosado. These are just two of my favorite food. But talking about them is just incidental. There is a deeper purpose why I mentioned them.
Today happened to be one of those soul gratifying days for me.
I was at Rockwell practically the whole day. I was overseeing the repair of my best friend's condo at Joya. When lunchtime came I asked the man who was doing the repair where he would take his lunch. He said he brought along his baon. So I went to the nearby Power Plant Mall to take my lunch. As I have a penchant for Chinese food I proceeded to Mann Hahn. I ordered my favorite Yangchow fried rice and camaron rebosado. I would have wanted to order more like spring rolls and lechon kawali but I wouldn't be able to consume them all. As a result I had to make do with just one viand with almond jelly for dessert.
As even the smallest order was too much for me, I had to take home my leftover which was about three fourths of my entire order. I was happy with my meal and was looking forward to partaking of it again at dinner.
After taking my lunch with my doggie bag in hand, I went back to the condo. I then started conversing with the man who was doing the repair. He was telling me that he was lucky they got this project. If there were no projects such as this one, he wouldn't have any income to bring home to his family. I asked him how they were paid and he said they are paid weekly. I inquired if he was married and if he had any kids. He said he has 3 children. He said that through hard work and God's grace, he was able to send them off to school. The two older ones are now engineers who are working abroad, while the youngest is graduationg next year with an HRM course.
It was then that I started to really take notice of this man. I was awed by what I heard. He looked just like any typical laborer. Worn out and faded clothes plus a heavily lined face and hands that had obviously seen rougher days were very evident. Yet I found him to be very admirable and rightfully told him so. He said his eldest son got married unexpectedly because his then future daughter-in-law got pregnant. He was also the one who sent his daughter in law to college. He narrated that his second child is saving her hard earned money so she could build a house for him and his wife someday.
I felt for him. I felt sad that people like him should work really hard to earn a decent living and support their families. But I felt truly proud of the man.
It was at this point that I thought of giving him my precious "fried rice and camaron rebosado" so he, his wife and youngest child can have a decent meal tonight. It's okay, I can make do without it for dinner. He kept thanking me and he said his wife would be so pleased.
There will be other days, there will be more fried rice and camaron rebosados to come my way, but I certainly would not want to miss the chance of being a good Samaritan again.
This is but a simple deed but I know Jesus is smiling up there. I know HE is proud of me.
And that is all that matters.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
A PHONE CALL SAVED MY DAY
Lately I had been distressed thinking about all the calamities that befell our country.
Not having been completely over the havoc wrought by the recent typhoons, and still recovering from the gory Maguindanao massacre, for days now we had been closely monitoring the possible eruption of Mayon Volcano anytime. The alert level had been raised to no.4 since two days ago and according to Phivolcs might be raised to no.5 or the maximum level any time now which means forced evacuation for residents within the danger zone.
As I am writing this, a big fire is raging several houses and establishments in the boundary of Pasay and Makati. It is such a big fire that the local fire department of Pasay had to raise an alarm for the other fire stations of nearby towns and cities to respond and assist. And it had to happen two days away from Christmas.
As of the latest count, 1,400 families had lost their homes. It would have been tolerable enough for these people to probably have nothing on their dinner tables for Noche Buena, as it had been sort of a way of life for some of our less fortunate kababayans, but for them to spend Christmas in the streets is the height of torment.
Early this afternoon I was taking a nap as I had not been feeling well these past few days due to a bout of colds and a sore throat. The phone rang and I was hesitant to answer it at first as I was awakened from my slumber. It kept on ringing so I got up to look at the caller ID to see who was calling. It was not a familiar number. I thought of just letting it ring but instinct told me to lift the receiver. A gentle male voice was on the other end of the line. He was looking for me. When I acknowledged, he introduced himself as a priest from the Blessed Sacrament Congregation , the order of the priests at Sta. Cruz Church in Manila. How can I forget that congregation, I was all too familiar with them. He said he just called to thank me for all the help I had extended to their congregation these past years and wished me a Merry Christmas. I wished him the same and thanked him for the call.
The Blessed Sacrament Congregation has always been very close to my heart. I had extended some help to them in my own little way and because of this I gained a friend in the person of Fr. Nory Vasquez, then the parish priest of Sta. Cruz Church. Unfortunately Fr. Vasquez succumbed to cancer about 5 years ago . I would remember, every Christmas he never failed to send me handwritten Christmas cards with encouraging notes of advice that would guide me in my personal life. I miss him dearly, especially at Christmas time.
So I was ecstatic that this good priest from the same congregation would call up to say thank you and wish me a Merry Christmas. Little things do mean a lot.
Probably Fr. Nory way up in Heaven wanted me to answer that call. I am glad I did because it saved my day . Even if only for just a few minutes, I felt a sense of happiness within me, and made me forget all the misery that emanated as a result of the tragedies that happened and still on going.
I know that we can overcome these tragedies once again. One of the greatest traits of a Filipino is that of being resilient. We shall rise once again.
Yes with God's help, we can overcome them.
Not having been completely over the havoc wrought by the recent typhoons, and still recovering from the gory Maguindanao massacre, for days now we had been closely monitoring the possible eruption of Mayon Volcano anytime. The alert level had been raised to no.4 since two days ago and according to Phivolcs might be raised to no.5 or the maximum level any time now which means forced evacuation for residents within the danger zone.
As I am writing this, a big fire is raging several houses and establishments in the boundary of Pasay and Makati. It is such a big fire that the local fire department of Pasay had to raise an alarm for the other fire stations of nearby towns and cities to respond and assist. And it had to happen two days away from Christmas.
As of the latest count, 1,400 families had lost their homes. It would have been tolerable enough for these people to probably have nothing on their dinner tables for Noche Buena, as it had been sort of a way of life for some of our less fortunate kababayans, but for them to spend Christmas in the streets is the height of torment.
Early this afternoon I was taking a nap as I had not been feeling well these past few days due to a bout of colds and a sore throat. The phone rang and I was hesitant to answer it at first as I was awakened from my slumber. It kept on ringing so I got up to look at the caller ID to see who was calling. It was not a familiar number. I thought of just letting it ring but instinct told me to lift the receiver. A gentle male voice was on the other end of the line. He was looking for me. When I acknowledged, he introduced himself as a priest from the Blessed Sacrament Congregation , the order of the priests at Sta. Cruz Church in Manila. How can I forget that congregation, I was all too familiar with them. He said he just called to thank me for all the help I had extended to their congregation these past years and wished me a Merry Christmas. I wished him the same and thanked him for the call.
The Blessed Sacrament Congregation has always been very close to my heart. I had extended some help to them in my own little way and because of this I gained a friend in the person of Fr. Nory Vasquez, then the parish priest of Sta. Cruz Church. Unfortunately Fr. Vasquez succumbed to cancer about 5 years ago . I would remember, every Christmas he never failed to send me handwritten Christmas cards with encouraging notes of advice that would guide me in my personal life. I miss him dearly, especially at Christmas time.
So I was ecstatic that this good priest from the same congregation would call up to say thank you and wish me a Merry Christmas. Little things do mean a lot.
Probably Fr. Nory way up in Heaven wanted me to answer that call. I am glad I did because it saved my day . Even if only for just a few minutes, I felt a sense of happiness within me, and made me forget all the misery that emanated as a result of the tragedies that happened and still on going.
I know that we can overcome these tragedies once again. One of the greatest traits of a Filipino is that of being resilient. We shall rise once again.
Yes with God's help, we can overcome them.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
YES INDEED, CHRISTMAS WISHES DO COME TRUE
In my most recent article, (please refer to the one preceding this) I mentioned my Christmas wish of being able to make others happy this yuletide season, most especially the needy or should we say the less fortunate members of society. I prayed to Jesus to help me find these people or lead me to them.
I had been asking HIM if it's possible to please do so before Christmas such that it came to a point that I had to apologize for pressuring HIM or giving HIM a deadline. But I knew too well in my heart that he would grant my wish. And he did.
This morning I went to mass on the occasion of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception not knowing that this would be the day when my wish would be granted. During the mass, the lector mentioned that they were looking for kind souls who could grant the Christmas wishes of the old priests residing in the Home for Retired Priests. These priests were made to write their wishes on a slip of paper which were sent to our chapel (Sto Nino de Paz Chapel at Greenbelt). Anyone who wished to join this cause could pick out a small piece of paper inside a box containing the names of the priests and their respective wishes.
I picked out a slip and the beneficiary priest was requesting for medicine which he enumerated and some milk for adults. I signed in the log book signifying my intention to help. I then asked the office if they are willing to accept money too, and they said yes. I told them I will be back.
I went home overjoyed, oblivious of the people staring at me for tears were streaming down my cheeks. I was too elated to be bothered by their stares.
Upon reaching home I immediately thanked Jesus and Mama Mary for once again giving me the opportunity to be able to help. I knew they were sending me a message as my Christmas wish came true on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. They couldn't have chosen a better date.
I will go back to the chapel and pick out probably four more names and grant their wishes. Aside from their wishes I could probably give a little amount also for their needs. I am sure it would make their Christmas happy. Or I might give their foundation an amount that could be distributed among all the priests so that even those whose names I did not pick out could benefit.
I am praying to Jesus to help me decide which is more advantageous for them. I am sure once again he will guide me, as he always does.
I cannot really express how happy I am for this opportunity. Yes indeed, Christmas wishes do come true.
I had been asking HIM if it's possible to please do so before Christmas such that it came to a point that I had to apologize for pressuring HIM or giving HIM a deadline. But I knew too well in my heart that he would grant my wish. And he did.
This morning I went to mass on the occasion of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception not knowing that this would be the day when my wish would be granted. During the mass, the lector mentioned that they were looking for kind souls who could grant the Christmas wishes of the old priests residing in the Home for Retired Priests. These priests were made to write their wishes on a slip of paper which were sent to our chapel (Sto Nino de Paz Chapel at Greenbelt). Anyone who wished to join this cause could pick out a small piece of paper inside a box containing the names of the priests and their respective wishes.
I picked out a slip and the beneficiary priest was requesting for medicine which he enumerated and some milk for adults. I signed in the log book signifying my intention to help. I then asked the office if they are willing to accept money too, and they said yes. I told them I will be back.
I went home overjoyed, oblivious of the people staring at me for tears were streaming down my cheeks. I was too elated to be bothered by their stares.
Upon reaching home I immediately thanked Jesus and Mama Mary for once again giving me the opportunity to be able to help. I knew they were sending me a message as my Christmas wish came true on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. They couldn't have chosen a better date.
I will go back to the chapel and pick out probably four more names and grant their wishes. Aside from their wishes I could probably give a little amount also for their needs. I am sure it would make their Christmas happy. Or I might give their foundation an amount that could be distributed among all the priests so that even those whose names I did not pick out could benefit.
I am praying to Jesus to help me decide which is more advantageous for them. I am sure once again he will guide me, as he always does.
I cannot really express how happy I am for this opportunity. Yes indeed, Christmas wishes do come true.
Friday, November 27, 2009
MY CHRISTMAS WISH
As kids we were made to believe that there is a Santa Claus. My perception of Santa then was not just someone who brings toys to good children, but someone who makes your wishes come true.
This Christmas I want to be a Santa Claus and be able to bring cheer to people. But how do I do it?
One thing that really gives me a sense of fulfillment is when I am able to help others, most especially the underprivileged members of society. Although I have been given this opportunity countless times, still I am eager to do more.
Several months back, in my mind I was toying with the idea of making the lolos and lolas at Golden Acres happy this Christmas by giving them a duster or a t-shirt each. I am sure this would bring a smile to their faces . However when I was computing the cost to be entailed, it came up to quite a big amount since there are about 300 elders living there. I could not possibly shoulder the expenses all by myself so I was thinking of a fund raising project among my friends or anyone willing to share their blessings.
Unfortunately Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng wrought so much havoc to the country that I decided to for-go of my fund raising project since a lot of my friends were victims of these tragedies. I didn't have the heart to solicit donations when I know very well that they needed money themselves to repair their property, houses, etc.
In lieu of this, I am seriously thinking of alternatives now on how to do something worthwhile this Christmas that will truly be gratifying not just for myself but most especially to God. I could probably look for about 5 of the poorest families and give them food and grocery so that they could experience having a sumptuous Noche Buena which I suppose they rarely experience, if at all. I could also give toys for the kids since Christmas is really for children.
Another choice is to scout around for sick people and buy medicine that they badly need but cannot afford to, or I could opt to shoulder their doctors' fees.
The criterion however is that I do not know these people personally and neither do they know me. They do not even need to know who I am.
I have been praying to Jesus to lead me to these people or help me find the deserving families. Much as I want to, I hesitate to go to the slum areas where poor families abound because I cannot afford to give all of them gifts so I have to do it on a selective basis.
As of now due to my limited resources I can only help a few but hopefully someday God willing, I will be blessed enough to be able to help more people not just at Christmas time but whenever the need arises.
Wish me luck to make my Christmas wish come true and make our less fortunate brothers and sisters believe that yes indeed, there is a Santa Claus.
This Christmas I want to be a Santa Claus and be able to bring cheer to people. But how do I do it?
One thing that really gives me a sense of fulfillment is when I am able to help others, most especially the underprivileged members of society. Although I have been given this opportunity countless times, still I am eager to do more.
Several months back, in my mind I was toying with the idea of making the lolos and lolas at Golden Acres happy this Christmas by giving them a duster or a t-shirt each. I am sure this would bring a smile to their faces . However when I was computing the cost to be entailed, it came up to quite a big amount since there are about 300 elders living there. I could not possibly shoulder the expenses all by myself so I was thinking of a fund raising project among my friends or anyone willing to share their blessings.
Unfortunately Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng wrought so much havoc to the country that I decided to for-go of my fund raising project since a lot of my friends were victims of these tragedies. I didn't have the heart to solicit donations when I know very well that they needed money themselves to repair their property, houses, etc.
In lieu of this, I am seriously thinking of alternatives now on how to do something worthwhile this Christmas that will truly be gratifying not just for myself but most especially to God. I could probably look for about 5 of the poorest families and give them food and grocery so that they could experience having a sumptuous Noche Buena which I suppose they rarely experience, if at all. I could also give toys for the kids since Christmas is really for children.
Another choice is to scout around for sick people and buy medicine that they badly need but cannot afford to, or I could opt to shoulder their doctors' fees.
The criterion however is that I do not know these people personally and neither do they know me. They do not even need to know who I am.
I have been praying to Jesus to lead me to these people or help me find the deserving families. Much as I want to, I hesitate to go to the slum areas where poor families abound because I cannot afford to give all of them gifts so I have to do it on a selective basis.
As of now due to my limited resources I can only help a few but hopefully someday God willing, I will be blessed enough to be able to help more people not just at Christmas time but whenever the need arises.
Wish me luck to make my Christmas wish come true and make our less fortunate brothers and sisters believe that yes indeed, there is a Santa Claus.
Monday, November 2, 2009
SO NEAR YET SO FAR
In my previous article, I wrote about my visit to the Cojuangco Building and how I befriended some people there. I wrote about my wonderful experience with Mr. Mel Mamaril, the loyal security aide of Tita Cory and how good a man he was. Well, let me tell you that I discovered something new about him in an article I read a week ago that made me admire him more as a person.
In that article it says that when Tita Cory was still alive, he together with Cris, the other security aide assigned to Tita Cory would get a monthly allowance from her. With her demise, the Aquino siblings offered to give them a lump sum retirement pay, since Noynoy to whom they were now assigned could not afford the allowance previously being given by his mom. They refused to take the retirement pay and instead agreed to accept and make do with whatever little allowance Noy could afford to give them just so they can continue taking care of him. Such a noble act from two grateful people, I do believe.
Yesterday we went to Manila Memorial Park to visit the graves of my mom, lola, aunts and uncles as is customary for us every All Saints Day. Since my brother and cousin were busy chatting, we missed the arrow directing car owners to the parking area, and such being the case was forced to drive all the way to the end of the memorial park where the only U-turn slot was situated.
As we drove along looking for that U-turn slot, we caught sight of the ABS-CBN vans covering the event and knew that we were approaching the tomb of Tita Cory and Ninoy. There was a multitude of spectators there when suddenly I caught glimpse of a barong clad tall guy with a hand held radio. It was Mang Mel, so I assumed Noynoy could not be far behind since Mang Mel was now assigned to him. Indeed I was right because I saw Noy talking with some people.
I wanted to go down and say hello to Mang Mel but we couldn't stop since there were a lot of cars following us and the police stationed along the way were motioning us to go on. I thought of how lucky I was to see him again but at the same time felt sad that I missed the rare chance to talk to him and probably Noy too. I'm sure it would have been easy with Mang Mel around.
So near yet so far, yes I do believe the two of them were.
Maybe next time our paths would cross once again. Who knows, maybe the third time around I would be lucky.
In that article it says that when Tita Cory was still alive, he together with Cris, the other security aide assigned to Tita Cory would get a monthly allowance from her. With her demise, the Aquino siblings offered to give them a lump sum retirement pay, since Noynoy to whom they were now assigned could not afford the allowance previously being given by his mom. They refused to take the retirement pay and instead agreed to accept and make do with whatever little allowance Noy could afford to give them just so they can continue taking care of him. Such a noble act from two grateful people, I do believe.
Yesterday we went to Manila Memorial Park to visit the graves of my mom, lola, aunts and uncles as is customary for us every All Saints Day. Since my brother and cousin were busy chatting, we missed the arrow directing car owners to the parking area, and such being the case was forced to drive all the way to the end of the memorial park where the only U-turn slot was situated.
As we drove along looking for that U-turn slot, we caught sight of the ABS-CBN vans covering the event and knew that we were approaching the tomb of Tita Cory and Ninoy. There was a multitude of spectators there when suddenly I caught glimpse of a barong clad tall guy with a hand held radio. It was Mang Mel, so I assumed Noynoy could not be far behind since Mang Mel was now assigned to him. Indeed I was right because I saw Noy talking with some people.
I wanted to go down and say hello to Mang Mel but we couldn't stop since there were a lot of cars following us and the police stationed along the way were motioning us to go on. I thought of how lucky I was to see him again but at the same time felt sad that I missed the rare chance to talk to him and probably Noy too. I'm sure it would have been easy with Mang Mel around.
So near yet so far, yes I do believe the two of them were.
Maybe next time our paths would cross once again. Who knows, maybe the third time around I would be lucky.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A DAY AT TITA CORY'S OFFICE
Last Friday afternoon I went to the Jose Cojuangco Building situated along the same street where I reside, hoping to buy some souvenir items for my best friend in the US. She loves Tita Cory and so do I.
The lobby guard directed me to the 4th floor where he said such items could be found. I entered the designated room wherein a young man showed me some items, but they were books about Ninoy and souvenir neckties. He said they had no items on Tita Cory for sale. I thanked him and was on my way out when he asked me if I would be interested in some fans. I said yes and he accompanied me to the 7th floor where he directed me to a room. I asked the guard stationed there where Tita Cory's office was and he said that I was at her waiting room. No wonder her paintings dominated the walls.
The young man soon reappeared with a lady who asked me what I wanted. I told her I was looking for souvenir items on Tita Cory. She said all they have are fans because the bags are no longer available. She went to Tita Cory's office and came out with a big box with a transparent cover inside of which were 3 fans made of wood hand painted by Tita Cory. I asked her if they also had miniature versions of her paintings and she went inside the room again. When she came out she showed me a box of hand painted greeting cards with various flower designs. She also gave me a complimentary book titled "Ninoy and Cory", the glossy pages of which contained mostly family pictures.
As I was admiring the items, I heard a male voice beside me asking what I wanted. I turned to look and since he was such a tall guy, my eye level was on his chest and not on his face. I noticed the familiar yellow ribbon pinned on his barong. I said I wanted that ribbon. When I looked up I saw a familiar face. He was Mel Mamaril, the loyal personal bodyguard of Tita Cory who was one of the speakers at the necrological rites. I could tell that he was such a good man by the way he spoke. I told him I was glad that he was still with the family. He said he now watches over and accompanies Noynoy on his various sojourns. We conversed for some time. I requested him never to leave the Aquino kids. I also told him he was lucky to have met Tita Cory.
When it was time for me to leave, he even escorted me from the 7th floor to the main lobby on the ground floor. He waited for me while I retrieved my ID from the lobby guard. He walked me to the exit. As we were walking, his cellphone rang and he took the call. When we reached the glass door I waved goodbye to him and thanked him. He put his phone down and told me to take good care of myself always. I was touched by his gesture.
Walking home carrying my precious souvenir items, I thanked God for giving me this wonderful experience. I thought of the man and how exceptionally good a person he was. Believe it or not, I can tell a person's character just by looking at him and by the way he talks and carries himself.
Now I know why God assigned him to Tita Cory. They are both kindhearted individuals.
Kindness begets kindness.
Wherever he is at this moment I pray that God will always take care of him, considering the danger of his job.
That surely was an exceptional Friday for me as God made it possible for our paths to cross.
The lobby guard directed me to the 4th floor where he said such items could be found. I entered the designated room wherein a young man showed me some items, but they were books about Ninoy and souvenir neckties. He said they had no items on Tita Cory for sale. I thanked him and was on my way out when he asked me if I would be interested in some fans. I said yes and he accompanied me to the 7th floor where he directed me to a room. I asked the guard stationed there where Tita Cory's office was and he said that I was at her waiting room. No wonder her paintings dominated the walls.
The young man soon reappeared with a lady who asked me what I wanted. I told her I was looking for souvenir items on Tita Cory. She said all they have are fans because the bags are no longer available. She went to Tita Cory's office and came out with a big box with a transparent cover inside of which were 3 fans made of wood hand painted by Tita Cory. I asked her if they also had miniature versions of her paintings and she went inside the room again. When she came out she showed me a box of hand painted greeting cards with various flower designs. She also gave me a complimentary book titled "Ninoy and Cory", the glossy pages of which contained mostly family pictures.
As I was admiring the items, I heard a male voice beside me asking what I wanted. I turned to look and since he was such a tall guy, my eye level was on his chest and not on his face. I noticed the familiar yellow ribbon pinned on his barong. I said I wanted that ribbon. When I looked up I saw a familiar face. He was Mel Mamaril, the loyal personal bodyguard of Tita Cory who was one of the speakers at the necrological rites. I could tell that he was such a good man by the way he spoke. I told him I was glad that he was still with the family. He said he now watches over and accompanies Noynoy on his various sojourns. We conversed for some time. I requested him never to leave the Aquino kids. I also told him he was lucky to have met Tita Cory.
When it was time for me to leave, he even escorted me from the 7th floor to the main lobby on the ground floor. He waited for me while I retrieved my ID from the lobby guard. He walked me to the exit. As we were walking, his cellphone rang and he took the call. When we reached the glass door I waved goodbye to him and thanked him. He put his phone down and told me to take good care of myself always. I was touched by his gesture.
Walking home carrying my precious souvenir items, I thanked God for giving me this wonderful experience. I thought of the man and how exceptionally good a person he was. Believe it or not, I can tell a person's character just by looking at him and by the way he talks and carries himself.
Now I know why God assigned him to Tita Cory. They are both kindhearted individuals.
Kindness begets kindness.
Wherever he is at this moment I pray that God will always take care of him, considering the danger of his job.
That surely was an exceptional Friday for me as God made it possible for our paths to cross.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
POSTSCRIPT TO YESTERDAY'S LETTER TO MAMA MARY
Dearest Mama Mary,
It's me again. Happy Birthday once more.
This morning as I promised you, I went to Greenbelt chapel to attend the mass in honor of your birthday. We sang a birthday song for you.
I was saddened though when I saw that a great majority of the people there brought flowers and gave it to you while you were standing at the altar. There were even balloons for you, while I did not have a flower to offer you, much more a gift.
My sadness turned to gladness however when the priest said during his homily that we are all beautiful, for how can we not be if our mother is the most beautiful woman in the universe. He said it follows that if the mother is beautiful, her children will be beautiful as well.
It makes me happy to know that I am beautiful too. I know it is impossible for me to be physically beautiful as you, but I hope character wise I could be. I am really trying to be.
This morning your love and concern for me was very evident once more.
It was not raining yet when I went to the chapel. After the mass, it was raining so hard that I had to stay inside first because I couldn't go out yet. I was standing by one of the chapel's entrances waiting for the rain to stop when the security guard from the nearby Greenbelt 5 Mall saw me and got his big golf umbrella to ferry me from the chapel to the mall.
I knew it was through your intercession that made him do that because you would not want me to get sick. Here you are supposed to be enjoying your birthday, your roses and your balloons, but still showing your concern for me as any mom would.
Thank you very much for your love. I know I don't deserve it but you unselfishly give it to me.
I know you said you will always be there for me and will never leave me. For that I will always be grateful.
I love you so much even though sometimes it doesn't seem so.
Your daughter,
Tonette
It's me again. Happy Birthday once more.
This morning as I promised you, I went to Greenbelt chapel to attend the mass in honor of your birthday. We sang a birthday song for you.
I was saddened though when I saw that a great majority of the people there brought flowers and gave it to you while you were standing at the altar. There were even balloons for you, while I did not have a flower to offer you, much more a gift.
My sadness turned to gladness however when the priest said during his homily that we are all beautiful, for how can we not be if our mother is the most beautiful woman in the universe. He said it follows that if the mother is beautiful, her children will be beautiful as well.
It makes me happy to know that I am beautiful too. I know it is impossible for me to be physically beautiful as you, but I hope character wise I could be. I am really trying to be.
This morning your love and concern for me was very evident once more.
It was not raining yet when I went to the chapel. After the mass, it was raining so hard that I had to stay inside first because I couldn't go out yet. I was standing by one of the chapel's entrances waiting for the rain to stop when the security guard from the nearby Greenbelt 5 Mall saw me and got his big golf umbrella to ferry me from the chapel to the mall.
I knew it was through your intercession that made him do that because you would not want me to get sick. Here you are supposed to be enjoying your birthday, your roses and your balloons, but still showing your concern for me as any mom would.
Thank you very much for your love. I know I don't deserve it but you unselfishly give it to me.
I know you said you will always be there for me and will never leave me. For that I will always be grateful.
I love you so much even though sometimes it doesn't seem so.
Your daughter,
Tonette
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