Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The Blessings of old age

It was a sunny day when our plane landed at Puerto Princesa domestic airport.  The plane was carrying among its passengers , 20 senior citizens from Cebu.  Palawan is famous for its subterranean underground river, beautiful beaches with crystal clear water, crocodile farm, where the skin and skeleton of the 9 footer crocodile is on display.  Added to its attraction is the sprawling and famous Iwahig Prison and Penal Colony.  The group was there for a three day sightseeing tour of the place.

Old age has its advantages. Aged wine and other delicacies are prized.  Antiques are rare and demand a higher price in the market.  Archeologists spend so much money and effort  in search of  relics and artifacts of the past.  A living, strong and sturdy old tree is an indication of its strength and durability.  What more with human beings.

Yes, senior citizens should feel proud and blessed that they have reached a ripe age.  Many have gone to the grave earlier and their dreams and love went with them.  Do not let old age and depression pull you down.  Remember, you have withered the storms and trials in your life, why waste it on self pity and depression.  Go out and enjoy.  Life is beautiful !

Monday, March 14, 2011

On time and waste

Man, in his lifetime, will incur so much waste.  Human waste, material waste,toxic waste, energy waste, and a lot of other waste.  Added to that, wasted opportunities, broken and wasted relationships , among others.  But they say, that the worst and most costly kind of waste , is of time, for it is never gained back.  Yes, some wastes can be recycled and regained, but time squandered and lost, will not be recovered.  Even broken relationships, in its opportune time will be mended and healed. " But once a heart is torn apart, i'ts never the same again," the lyrics of a song runs like this. But Love can alter that.  Not with time !

Some people are very conscious with time. When they make appointments, they make sure that they make it on the dot, others even, make it ahead of the appointed time.  To others, sad to say, dont value time. They let time adjust to their whims and caprices, only to realize in the long run , that time is running out for them.  Time, waits for no one.  It is one commodity that can't be bought or controlled.  It controls us. You have to grab it , as it comes, to utilize and use it to the fullest.

Time, is the essence of life. Time well spent and enjoyed, makes life gratifying and heavenly, while time squandered and abused makes life miserable.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

The reality of Life

" Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot Heal!" Those were the words written on the card sent to me by a friend.  That
   was five years ago, we were then mourning the passing away of my husband.  Yes, after five years, my children and I
   have moved on and had to face the reality that our loved one is gone.  Sure, it is really painful to lose someone dear, but
   death is no respecter of person, young or old, rich or poor.  But time, has a way of mending hearts. Day by day, year by
   year, slowly,slowly, our aching hearts started to heal.

   Again, last week, a loved one, was put to rest.  He was young, handsome, and comes from a respected family.  He left
   behind a loving wife and children and a budding career.  How could a  promising life such as his,be cut in the bud so
   soon, we could only ask.  Someday, we will know the answer. Meanwhile, his loved ones will miss him so much, but
   surely, slowly, day by day, year by year, their aching hearts will mend and face life anew, with new hopes and dreams.

   Life is precious and short, thats a reality. Dont waste it. Live every minute of it. Be happy and  you will make your loved
   ones happy too!

Monday, February 28, 2011

Vegetarian dishes: A healthy alternative

The way to a mans heart is through his stomach, thats commonly said.  There is some truth in it.  Even, Ferdinand Magellan, sailed halfway round the globe in search of spices, that satisfies the taste buds, of the common , the elite and the mighty. In the selection of future wives, some men prefer women, who can cook like mom or grandma,  As a mother, and a wife, I have receieved praises and thanks, from my loved ones, for a job well done in the kitchen.  Those acts alone, complete my day that I still cherish up to this moment.  What if a man does the cooking?

Last Sunday, my daughter and I, attended a Culinary Adventure On Vegetarian Cuisine.  It was a wellness and healthy lifestyle cooking demo, conducted by Chef Ronald, a comely gentleman, in his early twenties.  His expertise, brought us to Bicol, aboard his Vegetarian Bicol Express.  Made of gluten and tokwa with coconut milk and a lot of chilies, it surely was hot and delicious.  Next he brought us to China with his Vegetarian Chow Fan.  It is simply fried rice to us with added vegetables, spices, egg and toppings of your choice.  Our next stop, was Japan.  His Tofu Steak was simply appetizing and different.  What a healthy and delicious meals!

To Chef Ronald, may your tribe increase!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Till death do us part

They say that promises are made to be broken. Sad to say , that is almost true nowadays. Though some still value their words, a lot of people have broken promises. Political figures, business associates,  celebrities and even religious leaders.   Worst, we have broken families, elligitimate and juvenile children due to unfulfilled marriage vows.

When people marry, they promise to love, to cherish each other , in sickness or in health, till death do us part. Not to love, to cherish each other, in sickness or in health today, tomorrow or next year or in the years to come, if you remain a good boy or girl to me, but its till death do us part.And they seal it with their signature by signing a marriage contract, witnessed by the minister or priest and two other witnesses.

Marriage is commitment. A commitment that should not be taken for granted. How many dreams and lives were destroyed because of broken promises.If only people marry because of love, not for convenience or for other reasons, they will be spared alot of heartache. Mutual love and respect do wonders.

 Remember, strong families build strong nations.

Monday, February 21, 2011

A Precious Jewel

A month after the untimely demise of her Grandpa, Shekinah was born.  She was a healthy baby girl with curly hair and bright eyes.  Being the latest addition to the family, all attentions were focused on her.  Our grieving was slightly contained, as she easily became the apple of our eyes.  After a week ,the family returned to their place, a remote area in the south.  I decided to go with them, as the mother is my younger daughter and she needed help to care for her little girl.

As I took care of Shekinah, I lost track of the days and months that followed.  Slowly, the pain of losing a loved one, was  replaced by the happiness brought about by a childs giggle and laughter.  Unknowingly, by giving a part of us unselflessly, that part is returned to us without measure.

Now, it is almost five years. Shekinah has grown into a pretty, talented, and energetic young girl.  A typical child, she is sweet but occasionally, has her fits and tantrums.  To others, she is just an ordinary child, but to us she is a jewel, a precious jewel.

Love overcomes fear

Five years ago, my husband passed away. It was so unexpected,for previous to his confinement,he showed no signs of a serious illness. Only a month after he was diagnosed of a terminal cancer, he succumbed to the disease. And I started to face my greatest fear.

Since childhood, I have this fear of being alone. I dont want to be left alone in a room, much more in the house especially during the night. My mom would see to it that I have a companion beside me when I slept ,as they will be awaken by my bawling and crying whenever I find out I was alone. As I grew older, my fears diminished a little,but I havent completely overcome it.

Eventually,I got married and my husband became my permanent companion for life,so I thought. But life is unpredictable, and after 45 years of blissful marriage, a disease took him away. I have to face life and my fears alone then. Through the years,I tried to be strong, and after five years , and with the support and love of my children and friends, I believed I have become a stronger and better person. Thats what LOVE has done to me.