Mother's Day: Seasons Of Love

I know that it's easy to hope for touching gifts and thoughtful deeds since it's mother's day. It's easy to expect that after three years of being a mom and a dad for you that I must deserve just one day where my needs come first. But the reality is that becoming a mommy means things are a little bit different and more complicated than that. It's not that my needs aren't important, it's just that in a contest between what I want and what you need, you will always come first in my book, always. I know that one day, when you're older you might want to buy me something small, or make me breakfast, or pick some flowers from our garden for me. But whether you do those things on Mothers Day or on any other random day doesn't matter to me. Frankly, whether you do those things at all is neither here nor there because what I want is for you to love and respect the people in your life, and to show them the true meaning of love; show them whenever the urge takes you, not when a date on a calendar tells you to. 

If I pass any wisdom to you, I want it to be love. I love you greatly and pray, that in being loved immeasurably, you will love greatly too. Love will help you endure all kinds of loss. But know the spirit can never be lost. Faith in this hope will never betray you. Speaking out for and doing what is right on this earth is never easy, and oftentimes, not popular. Pursue your passion with integrity, and remember no success can compensate for failure in the home. Treat all God’s creatures, friend and foe, as fragile and delicate, because that is what we are. Physically, take care of body, mind, and spirit. Their strength is intertwined. Emotionally, cast aside the folly of peer pressure. You are one of the most genuine, kind people I know - and I don't want that turned into a fake, forced showing of affection by the commercial world. Just be you. Show your love in a way that's you. If you grow up to really love those days and feel that helps you express your affection, then do it - but do it for your own reasons.

Becoming a mom taught me so many life lessons. When I was little, I know the secrets to true joy, but as I grow older, I start to forget. I start to think more and worry more and I rarely feel true joy. Rarely, that is, unless or until I am blessed with beautiful boy. When I had you, I suddenly remember what true joy feels like and I experience it again through you. Being a mom means I get a daily reminder of what's important and what matters. Seeing the world through your eyes makes it look brighter and more beautiful to me than ever before. I love how the simplest objects are magically transformed into something wonderful by the fairy dust of your imagination. I love the way I can almost see the wheels turning in your brain as you learn something new, which seems to happen every day. Sometimes being a parent is hard. But, I try my best to be a good parent you. I know there are times when I fall far short of perfect, but I try my best to be the best parent that I can be. I know that someday I will miss the little things that you do that I struggle with right now. So, I promise to enjoy those moments a little more now, while I still can. I know these days are long, but I also know that the years are short and time flies so fast.

So this Mother's day, I just want to thank you Addy because every day you give me the best gift of all: the gift of being a mom, of being your mom, and I am so grateful. My love for you knows no bound.  I saw you progress through the years, from a happy baby to an inquisitive boy. So, if one day, you decide to be extra sweet, and fix me breakfast in bed, and that breakfast turns out to be wilted lettuce and ketchup sandwiches, I will smile, and I will eat that sandwich, and I will treasure that memory, just like my mom did for me. Because it isn't the gifts that matter, it's you.

In many ways, you have been blessed with brains and pleasant and wholesome personality. I am grateful.  As you always hear me say, being your mother has been one of life’s great blessings. It is a rare and precious privilege to see you grow from that little angel of innocence in my arms to a wise and kind man who uses his talents and abilities to make a difference in this world.  I am proud to be your mother.  I love you my babylove and just like how I said, No matter what season it is, may it be winter, spring, summer or fall, I will always be here for you. I will be forever your mom and your friend.

On being Grateful

As they say that no one is perfect, life is also messy. Everyone knows that I am a single mom. Some may see it as something negative, others may just be casual about it. I've learned that no matter what happens or how bad it seems today, life goes on and it will be better if not tomorrow, the day after. Despite of my current disposition in life, I am still thankful for so many things.


So what are the things that I appreciate about my single mommyhood? 


1. Addy
Of course, I am very thankful to have my wonderful son. He is my strength and happiness. He completes me. He is the very reason why I want to wake up each morning. He may test my patience most of the time, but his sweet gestures never fails to melt my heart.


2. My Parents
They are my co-parents in raising Addy. I can never thank my parents for helping me deal with Addy. Their unconditional love for me and Addy is something that I can only repay by unconditional love, respect and care. 


3. My Grandparents
I love my Grandparents! I am very thankful that they were able to see and spend time with Addy. I appreciate all the life lessons that they are teaching me and my son. 


4. Family
I will always be grateful for my biggest support group; my extended family. They are also my co-parents to Addy. They are the one who uplifts my spirit when I am down. 


5. Cousins
Since I am an only child, I treat my cousins as my own siblings. Age doesn't matter to us. I also ask advice from my younger cousins and vice versa. I am thankful for having siblings by heart :)


6. Work
Being a single mom is pretty expensive because I am the only one working to give Addy whatever he needs. I am thankful to have a wonderful career at the moment. I am thankful also because my colleagues are very nice. Also, I have a wonderful boss who understands my situation. I am in a family-oriented company who gives importance to child's welfare.


7. Community
I will always be grateful for being part of a community called Light Of Jesus. They are my second family. This is where I feed my soul with sumptuous words of God. This is where I also draw strength. This is another place where I can be the vulnerable me. This is where I found myself again, love myself again. This is also where I learned to forgive, not just those who have done me wrong, but most importantly, Myself.


8. Friends
True friends are hard to find. I may have a few friends, but I know, I have the real ones. 
I don't need to pretend someone that I am not. They tell me when I am wrong, but they also just listen when I don't want to speak. They respect my privacy. They also respect and understand at times when I need space. 
  

Life is about second chances. May it be in life in general, friends, love or career. 
I've learned that making a living is different from making a life.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be the one. 
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, people will forget what material things you gave, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

We have the natural tendency to unconsciously take things and even people for granted. We wait for wake-up calls in our lives to occur before we realize how blessed we are. Practicing daily gratitude keeps us on the path of being present, helps us acknowledge the gifts we have already been blessed with, and cultivates positive thinking. Don’t wait until it’s too late. We must always remember that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.

Open your heart, find different ways to show gratitude and take this opportunity to incorporate the practice of daily gratitude!

Day 6: Song That Makes You Cry (PART 2)

For all the times I felt cheated, I complained
You know how I love to complain
For all the wrongs I repeated, though I was to blame
I still cursed that rain
I didn't have a prayer, didn't have a clue
Then out of the blue

God gave me you to show me what's real
There's more to life than just how I feel
And all that I'm worth is right before my eyes
And all that I live for though I didn't know why
Now I do, 'cause God gave me you

For all the times I wore my self pity like a favorite shirt
All wrapped up in that hurt
For every glass I saw, I saw half empty
Now it overflows like a river through my soul
From every doubt I had, I'm finally free
I truly believe

God gave me you to show me what's real
There's more to life than just how I feel
And all that I'm worth is right before my eyes
And all that I live for though I didn't know why
Now I do, 'cause God gave me you

In your arms I'm someone new
With ever tender kiss from you
Oh must confess
I've been blessed

God gave me you to show me what's real
There's more to life than just how I feel
And all that I'm worth is right before my eyes
And all that I live for though I didn't know why (didn't know why)
Now I do (I finally do), 'cause God gave me you (God gave me You)

God gave me you

Addy's Third Birthday Letter

I have tried writing your birthday post several dozen times today, but I just can’t find adequate words. You are just too much to contain in a single blog post. Too much personality. Too much charm. Too much mischief. Too much everything. But, just right. There hasn't been a single day in the last three years that you haven’t brought joy, laughter and so much love.

Oh how much you've grown! I cannot get my head around the fact that it’s been three years since you came into my life. It seems like yesterday you were toddling around, muttering words and sounds.  Now you are a boy who runs, jumps, sings, speaks in full sentences, asks questions and is constantly absorbing the world around you. You spread such joy to those who know you. You laugh contagiously.  You are starting to tell “funny jokes.” Every day is a new adventure. I keep on falling in love with you Addy every single day.

I can’t believe how much you've grown this past year. At the start of 2 years old you were still doing what I call “dolphin speak”. It basically consisted of a bunch of “eh eh eh eh eh’s, some “eh??”  and a whole lot of pointing. Sounding just like a dolphin would if they tried to speak English.  The doctor assured me that your speech would pick up near the summer but you know me, I was worried as always. Thankfully I was wrong and by the time summer rolled around you had mastered spoken word! and boy did you let me know it. I haven’t heard any silence yet. Sometimes you even talk in your sleep. 

Do you know you potty trained yourself? Oh yes, you did. You've always been so independent it’s almost unbelievable at times. You were rolling over at 2 weeks, pulling yourself up at 6 months, eating by yourself at 1.6 years and by 2.3 years you were done with diaper! You even help mommy wash dishes and do the laundry. You're also in charge of setting the dining table. Yes babylove, I am proud to say that you're domesticated honey. 

I celebrate your presence every day, but today mark the 3rd year since your birth. it's been an amazing journey.  In my wildest imagination I could have never thought things would be the way they are now.  Life has thrown a few curves at me  but I always do my best to be the mother that you deserve. Being a mom to a lovable child like you has been the most blissful and heavenly experience. Thank you for giving me happy times and unforgettable memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. I hope you are always as sweet and loving and funny and unique and confident and magnetic as you are today. I know that you will be. I feel blessed to live my life with you and I love you with all of my heart.

My job as a mom is hard but when I think of the value of what I've gained and what I hope YOU'VE gained from my time with you these past three years, there is no price you can put on that.  I'm not from royalty but I feel as if I have lived the life of a thousand kings.

So many things have happened over the past 3 years, just this past year alone. But you have shown a level of resilience, and determination  that is remarkable.  It has been from you that I've drawn my strength, courage, and  determination. It's not that I haven't wanted to give up at times. It's just that I couldn't give up. I could never give up on you, because you haven't given up on me. I will always be grateful for your patience, gratitude, and humbleness through what at times has been challenging, difficult, and at times painful.  Someday when you are able to comprehend and wonder how WE made it through, know that I didn't do it alone , but only with the grace of God.  

Thank you for the wonderful gift you've given me: The gift of motherhood.  Judging by your first 3 years, you're destined for greatness.  I have no doubt.  I don't just expect, but will require great things from you. Not because I think you're capable, but I KNOW you are.  I love you.... love you more than you will ever know. You changed my life so much that I can barely remember my old self. You gave me strength to be a better person for you. I only hope that when you’re old enough to read this letter that you’ll still be telling me every day “I love you mommy whole bunch” because I love you dear boy, with all my heart!

Addy, if you are reading this years from now, I want you to know that at age 3, you are so much in love with me. Just like any other young children, you adored your mother and like any other mothers in this world, I could have felt no greater love than knowing that you need me as much as I need you. I will forever be grateful and proud of you. I will always be thankful to have you.

Yes, indeed I am cherishing every minute that I spend with you and every moment is a blessing worth more than diamonds and pearls. I love you to bits my little baby.. happy Third Birthday Addy!