Room 512

 

     After 7 months of being in the hospital along with a series of dialysis, infections, sores and blood transfusions, I don’t know if I should be relieved that all your pain has ended or to dread that we wouldn’t be with you anymore. Upon hearing the news at around 8 am last Thursday, I was still hopeful that it was just a false alarm and that the meds could still do their job. I don’t know if it was a selfish hope to prolong your life but I have always carried that optimism that one day we could bring you home. All of that wishful thinking faded the minute I had a last glimpse of you wrapped in white, without your usual blushing cheeks. and I realized the time has come.

     I wasn’t there when you breathed your last but there’s a picture in my mind on how it happened. A beautiful lady wrapped you in her arms as you were carried away by beings with faces so pure and together you rose up to the light. That day, August 15, 2013, was the feast of the Assumption, the day the blessed Mary went up to heaven and on that day, she brought a faithful servant.

     When we bid you goodbye last Sunday, heaven was also crying with us. The last mass, taught us all a very valuable lesson in life: that we all die when we start loving. The moment we love another, the concept of self-centeredness dies because a person loving lives for another. We all know you were in so much pain yet you never complained. We know it was your love for us that kept you fighting. Thank you lola for showing us what true love meant. Thank you for instilling in us the importance of values and family. It hurts that we can no longer stroke your golden white hair and touch your rosy cheeks, nor smell your baby-like scent nor hug you or kiss you, but we all know you need to rest. We know you're perfectly happy right now, free from all pain and sorrow and finally reuniting with lolo. Please watch over us from up there. Please always guide us and protect us. Every time we will miss you, we'll look up to the skies, close our eyes, and put our hands near our hearts; because that's where you are and where you'll always be.

    

     Goodbye for now our dear lola. We love you so much.

 

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15

A Touch from Above

June 02, 2013 – My Sunday rituals were put into a halt when we got a call from my uncle that Father Joey A. Faller, who is known for his gift of healing, will be back to visit my Lola. As some of you might know, my lola has been in the hospital for almost 5 months now. If you don’t know who Fr. Faller is, check out his life story here: http://www.joeyfaller.org/

I know a lot of people would have to line up for hours just to see Father Faller, so without any second thoughts, I dropped everything and went straight to the hospital where my lola was.

He started to pray over lola who was very sleepy due to the strong meds, then he also prayed over my aunt, my mom and my cousin.

After giving me his blessing, he asked if he could see my hand. According to him, sudden “glitters” would appear if the Virgin Mary was making her presence felt. He did the same thing to my mom, my aunt and my cousin. Unfortunately, there were no signs or “glitters” on mine which made me a bit sad. As I asked him how come there were no "glitters" (pic below) he answered “parating palang”.

He only stayed for a few minutes and went on his way. He left us feeling blessed and spiritually healed. My encounter with Fr. Faller also created a big question in my mind, of what could “parating palang” mean? It has been days since he said those words and until now I'm still thinking about it. I'm not sure if I'll see him again but hopefully I will. Could it be God's plan to leave me hanging so I could figure it out for myself? 

I’m ending this post with a short prayer because I believe only He alone can help me find the answer “Lord please clear my mind and enlighten me so that I may follow your path. Mama Mary, come into my heart so that I may see what it is that I should do.”

I know that one day it will be revealed.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

I just realized today is his birthday -- Happy Birthday Fr. Joey! Thank you for touching our hearts =)

A Quick Escape

Stop and smell the roses. That's what I've been telling myself. Sure I'm always 'busy' and my mind is always preoccupied with a lot of things. Sometimes I can't think straight or my mind is flying somewhere else when it shouldn't be. I'm guilty of over-thinking, and I end up stressing myself out. So I booked a day to spend more time with my family. I dropped everything and just went out to have a good time. 

We all need these kinds of little breaks to clear our minds, to recharge, to be inspired and appreciate the little things that matter. These moments when you wish that everyday would be like that and you don't want to go back to reality, when everything seemed perfect and you feel like it's all a dream.    

(Had Bulalo at Leslie's and bought snacks at Good Shepherd) -- Good Shepherd now has fruit shakes and other snacks for takeout =)

Location: Tagaytay Highlands

Enjoying the pool to beat the burning weather. =P

As the famous comedian Kevin James said "There's no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap". (Pizza Quattro Stagioni at Highlands)

One should not miss the beautiful view of Taal. From afar the water looked calm and steady, but you'll see the waves when you get closer - I think it's just like me =P

To make your sight-seeing more relaxing, why not have some good coffee while enjoying the cold breeze? I checked out Filibeans which is located at the back of Leslie's. I tried Kapeng Nakakamocha if I remember it right =)

Bought lots of fruits on our way home. =)

Boohoo end of my quick vacation. =( If you're also into the point of exploding, go and take a break. 

A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking - Earl Wilson. 

If you're just too busy and couldn't spare a day, I hope you could at least have some seconds for laughter because that's already the shortest vacation you'll have =) Enjoy your weekend everyone!!=)

Sunday Chill

Saturday is usually my 'me time'. Clearly defined as a trip to the mall, a movie or a lunch with a friend. Sunday is usually my laid back day. It's my time for family (including errands) or grocery shopping and my 'downtime' to prepare for the week ahead. If I'm not at home preparing blog posts, reading or watching my favorite series, I just find a cozy place to unwind and relax. Sharing with you my Sunday morning with my dad =) We ordered french toast, ham & cheese croissant and toffee nut frappe while reading the morning paper and enjoying the sunlight through our window.

Hope you all had a great weekend =)