In Memory of James and The Thousands of People Who Lost their Lives 8 Years Ago

James would have turned 44 today. My kids lit a candle and offered their prayers for him early this morning. It's good to know that after 4 years, they still remember his birthday. It's also good to know that I sense no pain in them anymore. Maybe they still miss him but this tragedy has not derailed their lives. As I said before, there are no longer "what if's" and "what-would-have-been". My children are moving towards the future and have not looked back for a long time. We talk of "tomorrow" now and it warms my heart to know that they are looking forward to all the challenges and changes ahead of us.

Also on this day 8 years ago, thousands of people lost their lives in several acts of senseless violence in the US. These people left behind thousands of grieving families and friends who, to this day, couldn't make sense of what really happened that day.

Let us all join in prayer as we remember James on his birthday and all the victims of terrorism around the world, particularly those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. May they all rest in peace!

It's been a year daddy, I really really miss you.
Mommy says you're safe now,
in a beautiful place called heaven.

We had your favorite dinner tonight
I ate it all up...
... Even though I don't like carrots

I learned how to swim this summer
I can even open my eyes
when I'm under water

Can't you see me?

I started Kindergarten this year
I carry around a picture of us in my Blue's Clues Lunch Box

You are the greatest Daddy
I can swing on the swing by myself ...
Even though I miss you pushing me

Can't you see me?

I miss how you used to tickle me
Tickle my belly
My belly hurts

I try not to cry
Mommy says it's okay
I know you don't like it when I cry

Never wanted me to be sad
I try daddy but it hurts

Is it true you're not coming home
Maybe some day
I can visit you in Heaven okay?

It's time for me to go to bed now
I sleep with the light on.
Just in case you come home,
and kiss me good-night.

I love you so much.
I miss you Daddy

Blessings to all,

An Urgent Plea For Prayers

A few months ago, my cousin Marivic ("Bec") and her husband Allan proudly announced that they are finally going to have a baby... after 13 long years of waiting. Of course, this great news brought so much joy not only to the couple but to us relatives and friends.

This morning though, Marivic sent me this email which shocked and really saddened me:

"Dear family and friends,

We are so blessed for all the concern and love that all of you showed and extended to us. Praise God for all the blessings and His faithfulness in our lives!!! Thank you so much for your prayers!!! Thank you so much for those who called and emailed us.

Update: Last July 2 (Thursday) I had a regular ultrasound check-up and found out that I have a very short cervix and was advised to go straight to the Labor and Delivery of Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan and is under the care of Dr. Blessed. I was admitted to the hospital and was under observation. Doctors are afraid that baby's water might break or I might be having premature labor contractions that I may not be aware of.

At 24 weeks (6 months) of baby's gestational age, doctors are concerned of baby's survival. Baby needs more time to grow inside me that's why they are keeping me in the hospital (bedrest) until I give birth here. Hopefully, with prayers and trust in our Lord Almighty that I may keep baby for 8 to 10 more weeks inside my womb and that he'll be normal and healthy.

As most of you know that me and Allan have waited for 13 years for this miracle baby and God has blessed us with this wonderful life inside of me, we thank and praise God for our baby!!! We pray that I may be healthy and strong for baby's sake and that we trust in the Lord that baby will be healthy and normal.

We thank every one of you who has been praying for us!"


Please help us pray that God will pour out His loving grace to protect Marivic (our beloved "Bec") and her unborn baby.

Blessings to all,