Faith will See Us Through...♥

I like to think I have a happy blog. Not because I have less sad moments to write about but mainly because the painful parts of my life I tuck away some where else. I like to keep them private and I have a journal where they can stay there for memories and maybe looking back at another time. Today I like to share something more than a happy meal, a happy story. I'll let you in a private part of my life. That part where I keep pains and fears and also private moments of joy.

I am happily married. We love and live for each other. He is my everything and I am his all. We have our ups and downs but the ups are more frequent and the downs we look after together, so the burdens are lighter.

These past couple of weeks was a bit heavy on us and my siblings. My favourite little brother King needed a major surgery. As per usual we gather ourselves albeit lesser in numbers now - to talk about how we can help in every way to lighten the load for him and his young family. We put our faith in the goodness of our Heavenly Father that everything will be alright.


This simple words gives profound comfort☺♥

It was a hard time and a scary one at that. 4 years ago he had surgery as well and on that same year our dearest mother Irene passed away. 7 months later our eldest beloved brother Enrique Jr. followed.

4 years before Mama's passing was our dear father Bob's day of rest.

It seemed that every 4 years we have this major hurdle as a family. The thought made me anxious. But like old times we drew strength from each other.

More so this time, we prayed, we fasted and we gathered resources to augment whatever is in our financial coffers. Most of all we talk to each other and cheer one another. Good thing about problems is that it can be a strong bind that unites the whole family - or if we let the opportunity to look out for each other, slip - it can cause conflict and estrangement. We chose to be strong together. There is strength in numbers.

But though we do not have our strong parents and oldest brother - the 4 of us left poured everything that we have to solve this problem. How to best help Yuyen and their 3 young children. I commend Yuyen for being strong, she has been through so much as well with her mother's ill health and now her husband's! Abyu Yen!

King is still his funny self- his sense of humour cushioned the bumps of this ride.

We petitioned the Lord to help the medical practitioners of The Philippine Heart Center, we asked assistance to whoever is willing to lend a hand. We put King's name in the Temple Prayer Roll and we also asked a dear friend Bro. Yumul who hold the Priesthood to administer to King blessings of healing and comfort. Thank you so much Gaygay, Jing and your family.

Our Heavenly Father loves us. He hears our prayers. Once again like many times in the past, He proves this to us. We have experienced first hand His goodness and grace.

The surgery was successful. King is healing slowly and surely. Our hearts are full of gratitude to ALL of you who are one with us at this trying time.

We are overwhelmed with your goodness and willingness to sacrifice for King. Your time, effort, finances, even blood for some! Your kind thoughts and prayers, for cheering him on and most of all the comfort we feel just by knowing we are not alone.

It is true that the goodness and grace of our Heavenly Father is made available to us through another person. Through people, through you. May God bless each one of you.

In times of trouble and pain, we are invited to offer our burdens to Him and He will lighten our load. Lord Salamat karajaw.

From Kingay, Yuyen, Maui, Saveeh, Baby Bob, Mano, Ding, Me and Richard - Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I want to share with you some quotes that helped along the way...never forget
God is good.

 

 

 

Rainy Days...



 I do not know about you but I just love rain. I rather it rain everyday than having sunny days. When I was growing up in the Philippines, monsoon months are my favourite. We do not have 4 seasons like we do in Australia (and in Melbourne, where I live, it can be 4 seasons in one day!)  but over in the Philippines - WET and DRY  describes the weather.

I do not like umbrellas though. I have this annoying habit of losing them and over all I realized it was not worth the effort and the scolding (after losing it the nth time) so up to now I am not a brolly fan. I do have to use it occasionally like when I have to arrive decent to an appointment, other than that I do not care if I got wet.

I also do not like the song "Rainy days and Mondays always get me down". Why? Monday is the start of the week after a break and rain, rain gives life to plants and make frogs sing:-)

I like the sound it makes on tin roof and its pitter-patter transports me back to happy times.

In my childhood home, I have wonderful memories of my mother coming in the bedroom in the middle of a stormy night. We always have our windows open for fresh air and wind always let the rain in. When thunder wakes me up, I hid under the blankets and won't get up to close the windows. But Mama, always - right on cue - would enter the room, close the jalousies and tuck me right back in.

I do not know if she knew I was awake, but every time it rains, I know Mama would come and close my windows. Then I can always go back to peaceful sleep.

She has gone back to Heavenly Father now, but inside my heart I know that she is out there looking after us and making sure we are always dry, warm, safe and happy.

I miss you very much Ma. ♥

The sound of her
Silk skirt has
stopped.
On the marble
pavement dust grows.
Her empty room is
cold and still.
Fallen leaves are
piled against the doors.
Longing for that lovely lady
How can I bring my
aching heart to rest?

♥ c. 57 BC

Mothers

When I have extra time, I make hot chocolate and let my mind wander.

 I take myself back to when my family was complete. It is so hard to talk about my father, mother and elder brother in the past tense. I really miss them.

Most especially Mama when I am unwell. She may not be here next to me, but she is never far away. Ma always seem to make us feel better with just a touch of her hand, an embrace and kiss on our foreheads. I can hear her laughter and I can still hear her voice telling me everything will be okay. I miss talking to her on the phone. She always regale me with her stories of how everyone is. She tells me about her plans and her wishes. Only those who have lost a most beloved loved one can understand the longing in my heart.

The sound of her
Silk skirt has
stopped.
On the marble
pavement dust grows.
Her empty room is
cold and still.
Fallen leaves are
piled against the doors.
Longing for that lovely lady
How can I bring my
aching heart to rest?

♥ Chinese Poet c. 57 BC


With so much to say, let me just share with you this timeless video of Sheri Dew's conference talk a few years ago.

One day, in that place of no goodbyes I shall see you again. God be with you until then, my Mama, my Papa, my Mano...