“We can never turn back the pages of time, though we may wish to relive a happy moment, or say goodbye just one last time, we never can, because the sands of time continue to fall, and we can’t turn the hourglass over.”
“Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go.”
~Herman Hesse
You Are Stronger Than You Think
"You are stronger than you think, remember to stand tall.
Every challenge in your life helps you to grow.
Every problem you encounter strengthens your mind and your soul.
Every trouble you overcome increases your understanding of life.
When all your troubles weigh heavily on your shoulders, remember that beneath the burden you can stand tall, because you are never given more than you can handle... and you are stronger than you think."
I thank God for life lessons that were not wasted...
Let me take this opportunity to thank friends in the blogosphere for making my birthday special...
To Thom for the nice birthday greeting that he posted in his blog "Thom's Place 4 Whatever".He just arrived from his Seattle trip and has been kept busy by a lot of things but he found the time to make a special post for my birthday.
Thom, your post took me by surprise. I don't even know how you got wind of my birthday but believe me, it felt so good to read your greetings online. You made me feel so special. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And a big thanks as well to everyone who left a birthday wish or message for me in your blog.
To Jinglewho really made it special with all the awards she gave me on my birthday. It was
indeed a pleasant surprise to see all those beautiful images that she made just for her Thursday Poets Rally Week 23 participants.
Jingle, I understand what you're going through right now. I am amazed at your undying desire to lift our spirits up despite your own struggles. Rest assured that your efforts are much appreciated. Thank you for these beautiful awards:
My Dad's stroke in 2007 left him half-paralyzed and it was really a miracle how he got to talk and walk again although with some difficulty. He still refuses to use a wheelchair until now.
He looked frail yesterday when my kids and I went to visit him and my Mom for our Father's Day celebration. He was doing his usual walking exercises when we got there but as soon as he sat down to talk to me, that's when I noticed the unsightly edema on his lower right leg. He said it felt heavy but managed to give me a warm smile as if assuring me that it was going to be alright. He said he has meds to take care of the excess water in his body. He admitted that his creatinine is still high but, as if it would make any difference at all, he reassured me that it is much lower than before.
That's when he turned the tables on me. At first, he asked about the condition of his friend's daughter (who happens to be my friend) who is presently in the ICU recuperating from a stroke and a major brain surgery. Then he went in for the kill... Have I checked my cholesterol and sugar levels lately? Did I get that complete blood work-up already? Did I go back for the ECG? Do I monitor my blood pressure? Blah... blah... blah... Of course, all my answers were in the negative. What followed was a long litany of why I should take care of myself. Hesitantly, I ended up promising him I will get all those tests soon and inform him of the results.
Sometimes he forgets that his daughter is over 40 now. Much to my amusement, he occasionally gets into this kind of mood and talks to me like he's talking to one of his grandchildren. Honestly, I do love these small talks with him. We don't get to do this often anymore because he gets tired easily now.
I really miss those times when we could talk for hours over a bottle of brandy or a few rounds of beers. I remember it clearly-- I would get us our glasses, open a bottle, start a boring conversation about politics and keep him company as he gets busy preparing our dinner (you see, cooking was his passion)... and he would know I needed someone to talk to.
There was so much laughter back then. And so much tears (over broken friendships and relationships). My siblings and I felt that we could tell him anything. The Christmas and the New Year celebrations with my mom, brother and sister were the best as we would all stay awake drinking (except my Mom), laughing, sharing some little wisdom and teasing each other and, not surprisingly, debating UNTIL SUNRISE! Simply the best drinking buddies you could ever find! Now that li'l bro and li'l sis are miles away from us, I'm sure that our family bonding time in the past is what they miss most too.
MY LITTLE GIRL
By Tim McGraw
Gotta hold on easy as I let you go
Gonna tell you how much I love you
Though you think you already know
I remember I thought you looked like an angel
Wrapped in pink so soft and warm
You've had me wrapped around your finger
Since the day you were born
You beautiful baby from the outside in
Chase your dreams but always know the road
That'll lead you home again
Go on, take on this old world
But to me you know you will always be
My little girl
When you were in trouble that crooked little smile
Would melt my heart of stone
Now look at you I've turned around
And you've almost grown
Sometimes you're asleep I whisper "I love you"
In the moonlight at your door
As I walk away I hear you say
"Daddy, love you more"
You beautiful baby from the outside in
Chase your dreams but always know the road
That'll lead you home again
Go on, take on this old world
But to me you know you will always be
My little girl
Someday, some boy will come
And ask me for your hand
But I won't say yes to him unless I know
He's the half that makes you whole
He has a poet's soul, and the heart of a man's man
I know he'll say that he's in love
But between you and me
He won't be good enough
You beautiful baby from the outside in
Chase your dreams but always know the road
That'll lead you home again
Go on, take on this old world
But to me you know you will always be
My little girl
Photo: My niece and brother-in-law spending quiet time together at a Florida beach... a big thanks to my li'l sis Lourdes for allowing me to use this beautiful photo.
On January 25, 2005, I lost my husband. Welcome to my random thoughts about losing James and finding myself again. For in this journey called Life, "there is no such thing as a negative experience... only opportunities to grow."
Wordless Wednesday
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WW is a simple blog post featuring a photo which conveys a message that
speaks for itself without using words. For all the rule breakers, of which
I am one...
Who has a sweet-tooth?
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Lillian here, happy to be tending the pub for Tuesday Poetics! Today, I
thought it was time for a sweet-a-licious …
Continue reading →
Philomela of the Bungalows
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I feel forsaken
like a rolled newspaper in the rain.
Is that You? in the window box?
Is that You? magnificent in a woken engine?
I don't mean to be sull...
Friday Writings #186: Survive Out of Spite
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Hello, Word Artists and Admirers! One of the more awesome things in this
world is a friend who gets you. Several months ago, I was in a bit of a
funk...
In Uncertain Times
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source
Sorry to say, I am not feeling very hopeful right now; but I / we have to
get through this somehow.
In uncertain times -- politically, sociall...
Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you decide to see beyond the imperfections.
"Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward to the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage and confidence." ~ Og Mandino
If I could wish for my life to be perfect, it would be tempting, but I would have to decline, for life would no longer teach me anything.
"For I know the
plans I have for
you," declares
the Lord, "plans
to prosper you
and not to harm
you, plans to give
you hope and a
future."
Jeremiah 29:11-14
