At 52... In Memoriam

He would have been 52 last March 17.
I only only knew him until he was 48.
But i have memories of him to last me a Lifetime!

Happy Birthday, Mai! You are loved!
May you find your Pathway to Paradise!

Weekends with Mama

It's about time i wrote something about my mother... my inspiration and role model. As a teacher herself, Mama taught primary school children until her retirement. Up to this day, i can only marvel at her patience and determination at handling 40 seven-year-old pupils per school year, for more than twenty years!

For the last twenty years of my own life, i have been spending weekends with Mama at our family home somewhere in the suburban south. Her cooking was something to look forward to, but more importantly, it is the mother-son time that i really cherish most.

On weekends, Mama and i will spend hours swapping stories and thoughts on the latest matters: siblings, friends, celebrities, work, relatives. Although not necessarily in that order! Mama would be her usual supportive self. Forever encouraging me with my hopes and dreams, she never fails to put in a wise word or two. Ah, mothers are God's gift to ageing guys like me!

As i grow older, these moments have become more precious to me. Perhaps, weekends like these are the strongest links that will bind us together... across distance, beyond time and space.

I LOVE you Mama!

On My Own...

I caught an episode in a recent local talk show about men living alone. Naturally, i was drawn to the discussion as i am, for over four years now, living all on my own. Except for the occasional trips to our family home on weekends, i spend my days... and nights... alone in my room in a condo i am renting in Makati.

Since my partner, Mai, passsed away, i have slowly adjusted to waking up and going to bed alone... but am i lonely? No, not anymore. Quietly, i have taken to accepting my present state-of-affairs and stopped battling with myself over thoughts of self-pity and longing.

We are never alone. Even when we think we are on our own, we never really are. God created the universe so perfectly that for one to think that he can be detached from everyone and everything is utter arrogance. You only have to look to the skies at night or feel the gentle breeze to really know that YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!