A Picture Worth A Thousand Words

This post has been long overdue. Our church wedding happened way back June 17 but it is only now that I am able to write about a wonderful moment that happened during that occasion. Hubby and I already got married civilly in 2001, and though we've planned our church wedding to happen year after year, it is only this year 2006 that it actually materialized.

We wanted it to be simple. What's important is that we go thru the marriage rites in front of God. Due to some unavoidable circumstances and financial difficulties, both our immediate families couldn't make it to our wedding. I know how painful it is for them not being able to witness this important event in our lives. But we knew that we had to go thru as planned because God has willed it. It is doubly painful for my father I guess because this is the second time that he will miss my wedding (the 1st was my civil wedding) and I know that it is his deepest longing to walk his daughters down the aisle (he wasn't able to do this with my younger sister too as she got married civilly in Canada back in 1998).

Of all the wonderful moments during our wedding, there is one moment that will forever be etched in my mind and heart. It was when my son, Jarred, walked me down the aisle. His Dad and I were already very happy that he marched properly at his turn as ring & coin bearer. After this task, he could've just gone off to play with the other kids but I think he noticed that I was still waiting my turn to march down the aisle. With a very serious look on his face, he ran back to me and offered to take my arm...he said, "C'mon Mom, let's go..." And so, with our arms linked together, my son walked me down the aisle. I felt he became a young man at that moment. It took a lot of courage not to have tears falling down my face. I know, deep in my heart, that it was my father's angel that whispered to my son to walk me down the aisle since his grandfather couldn't be there to do it. This is one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.

When God closes a door he opens a window...

"Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get" - from the movie, Forrest Gump

This statement is so true about life. We never know what will happen next. One day we may be on top of the world with happiness and the next day find ourselves taken over by loneliness and grief. It goes the same with our standing in society. For years we may be enjoying the good life - money is no object and we can buy whatever we want. Then all of a sudden, we find ourselves in a financial slump. We are in disbelief why these things happen and we question why these happen to us. And in all irony, the world around us seem to have turned a full 180 degrees. When before we were the ones looked up to by family and friends for support and help, it is now our turn to be of need. The feeling of inadequacy and insecurity is real and frustrating. And it happens to everyone, everyday.

But we have to move beyond this minor setback in our life and believe that all this temporary and just a part of the circle of life. Maybe it's God's way to make us value life and what is truly important - our relationship with Him and with our immediate family. And maybe it's His way to teach us humility and strength. He will not give us any trial that we cannot surpass.

If burdened by life's challenges, we only have to believe that when God closes a door, He opens a window...we just have to believe in His wisdom and trust His judgement.

Mokster's Mom's Mom is Back!!!

After almost 2 years of being in Vancouver, my mom is finally back home. Her flight arrived at 4 a.m. this morning. Her homecoming is so timely as I will be giving birth very soon. Am so very happy that she'll be around when Caitlin Alyssa makes her entrance into the world. Mommy was also with us when I had Jarred in 2002.

I really missed Mom so much! And I am quite sure Daddy and Paulo missed her too. We all just have to make the most of her stay here (which will be too short as she has to go back to Vancouver come December) and spend wonderful quality time with her.

She's in Manila right now and I still have to wait for a month before she arrives here in Gen San. The waiting game is almost as thrilling as awaiting my little princess' arrival.

Welcome Home Mokster's Mom's Mom! See you very, very soon!