My Mom's day

Today is my mother's birthday & I choose to remember her through this post. She died rather unexpectedly but in a way that was easy for her and for everybody. She didn't die of any lingering disease. Perhaps, it was God's loving way of taking her.

If there is one word that could describe my mother, it would be PATIENT. She is the most patient woman I have ever known. When I was a child, I wasn't really that close to her. I was more of a daddy's girl but as I entered my teens and became a mother, I became closer to her. Being a well kept woman that she was, she would make sure that she looked presentable even at her old age. She enjoys buying clothes and shoes and would share with me her latest finds. Visits to the mall is something that we both enjoy.

When I was in my teens, I would ask extra money from her when I would have meet-ups with my friends and she would readily give me. When I had my suitors, I would not hesitate to confide to her knowing that she would understand. All throughout my growing up years, there was only one instance wherein my mom spanked me.

She was also a good cook and it is unfortunate that she seldoms does this. She is a working mother and handles our family business full time especially when my daddy got sick.I would always look forward to her cooking of Paksiw na Pata.

We also had our share of misunderstandings especially when I started having a family of my own. There was one incident wherein she would bring my 2 year old daughter alone, without a yaya or baby sitter at McDonald's. I totally disapproved of this because she was not as strong as she used to be and she would be forgetful at times. But through it all, she was someone I could count on to look over my kids when I am out.

The saying that you only get to appreciate your mom when you start having a child of you own is really true. I miss my mom terribly and how I wish she is still with us.

Zambales

I am writing this post in Villa Veneranda resort here in Iba, Zambales for a much needed R & R. A definite stress buster! This is already Day 2 of our vacation and we plan to stay here for a week. The atmosphere of being in the province is a welcome alternative to the chaos and pollution of Manila. As I write this, my kids are taking a swim and playing. I always make it a point to bring them here every summer and they always look forward to this with great anticipation.

As a mom, I believe that bringing your kids to the province enriches their character. Why? Simply because it takes them away from the television, computers and malls. These things that seems like a way of life already for a person residing in the city. It is also a chance for them to be exposed to the Zambalenos and see how life is so simple here. All of my kids except the eldest go gaga over riding a tricycle. Since I do not know who could be reading this blog and for the benefit of non-Filipino readers, it would be best to explain what a tricycle is. A tricycle is a motorcyle wherein a small and open carriage is attached. The carriage can accomodate 2 to 3 passengers. It is the usual mode of transportation in the province. When going to the "bayan" or town, they would prefer riding a tricycle than our van.

Aside from this, they meet the kids of some of the workers here and later on becomes their playmates. Here, they seldom watch television. Usually they would feed the monkeys and rabbits and run around the place. The fresh air and sunshine brings a rosy glow to their skin.

Tomorrow, we plan to go to Potipot island. I'll share our experiences there. Till the next post.

A Stroke of Sadness

It has been almost 3 years since my father-in-law underwent an open heart surgery at Asian Medical Hospital. Now he is back for suffering a stroke. He was brought from Zambales to Manila for immediate medical treatment upon the doctor's advise. So today, I accompanied my husband to visit him. It wasn't that good since he is in ICU and most likely will suffer a partial paralysis. A therapy is seen forthcoming.

As I look at him in lying in his hospital bed sedated, I remembered my own dad when he suffered the same fate. The thought of not being able to do what you want to do & depend on others for even the basic things can be a definite source of depression for a man who has led an active life. I guess, my father-in-law, who is stubborn when it comes to his diet, will have to learn his lesson the hard way.

All of a sudden, I felt a surge of sadness for him. You see, I have grown fond of my father-in-law through the years that I've known him. Although he is not the typical grandfather to my kids, he tries to show his affection in a way that he knows. My kids would always look forward to go to "Lolo Kit's" place every chance that they could get. He was full of vigor, ideas & a good businessman. He has his imperfections, many in fact, but despite that, he is easy to get along with that you would dismiss those flaws right away.

I just pray that he would be able to recover so that my kids would be able to get back the old "Lolo Kit" that they always knew.