Alone Time

I remember when this picture was taken. A clear Chicago day last May when the boys went to a car show and I stayed behind in my uncle's apartment to accompany my mom who just wanted to relax that morning.

I sat there. Nothing. I was just thankful for the vacation.  At that time it was just 5 months since my father's passing but I recall a feeling of gratitude rather than sadness.  I don't know but for some reason, on that day, that morning, I sat quietly, grateful.

I think of this now as work and motherly duties control most of my days and that Christmas, which usually excites me because I love fixing our home, signals the nearing death anniversary of my dad.  I know I will cry buckets but I wish to approach Yuletide season with calmness of mind and a peaceful spirit.  I wish for the same grace given to me that May day.

Ride for Cory 3

Last August 4, we held the third Ride for Cory. This event put together by The Carewell Community in partnership with the Ninoy & Cory Aquino Foundation aims to raise funds and increase awareness about Carewell and its programs towards cancer prevention as well as provide support for cancer victims and their families.  Because my late father had cancer, and Carewell was there for him, this event meant a lot to me.

My inability to ride 70 kms around Tarlac province due mainly to lack of training made me decide to sponsor two riders that can't afford to join. A few minutes from the start of on-site registration, I fulfilled my mission when I paid for two riders from the team One Tarlac.  But when I was manning the registration table with a few of my colleagues, a man came and expressed his desire to join but couldn't afford it. So I sponsored a third biker.  Little did I know that this man would make my day extra special.

Biker #3 won a cel phone.  I didn't recognize him at first until he came up to me and thanked me. I felt so good to have been able to help. I am truly blessed.  If they felt good that day, I think I felt even better.  It's true what they say--in giving one also receives.

-with the two bikers I first sponsored-

-posing w/ my 3rd rider holding his cel phone-

Paying forward makes both parties, the giver and the receiver, feel happiness.  This in a nutshell is what makes one alive.

I just have to share this other feel good story.  The two male bikers below accompanied the female biker until she crossed the finish line.  Even if they could bike faster, they opted to stay with the woman, making sure she will be okay.  They also won in the raffle; one won a cel phone and the other a mountain bike.

The Ledge

I stood on the Ledge, on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower in Chicago, 1,353 feet in the air, the Ledge's glass box extends out 4.3 feet from the Skydeck.  Just one of the many adventures my life  presented me with.  I went for it, throwing away all thoughts of the glass cracking beneath me. My family did it too with my kids even laying down.

I look at this picture and can't help but think that life puts you in circumstances wherein you have to  fight or surrender. There will always be difficult decisions to be made, some may lead to satisfaction and the others regret.  It is always going to be your choice.  I hope to always make the right one.