Today is the day of fulfillment of a dream that about a year ago was lifted up to heaven. And the Lord saw that it was good. My love, best wishes and prayers are for the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Martin Tabuena del Rosario.
The wedding has been yet another challenge for this senior. What does the grandmother of the groom wear? It can’t be too sheer or too embellished. Do I recycle? Thank God for John Guarnes!
Where do you find shoes (bye-bye, flip-flops) that are dressy enough; not too high so you won’t fall, not too flat so you don’t waddle? Where is my beaded pink purse? I need jewelry. I lost all my good bling-blings to the dugo-dugo gang a few years ago. Oh well.
How trivial and petty this all seems, so out of synch with the times. One almost feels guilty to be in such high spirits. But God is good. He gives us His word that there is “a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.” So, even just for today, we rejoice!
Thanksgiving day
Thanksgiving is in a few days. There is so much to be thankful for. Instead of focusing on our Christmas lists, what to do, where to go, and what to buy, let us give thanks for all we are given.
This year my family gets together a little earlier than the actual holiday. If we waited, many of those who came for today’s wedding will be heading home to America; and following tradition, remember the first Pilgrims and carve their own turkey. How I wish I had them all around me.
But tomorrow, when I look around the dinner table, my heart will overflow with gratitude and wonder. Whatever have I done to deserve all this? I am overwhelmingly blessed.
Not for an instant will we be insensitive to the tragedy of Yolanda. We remember those who perished. We pray for the survivors and the thousands of homeless families. Their pain is etched in our hearts forever and, even as we give thanks, we vow to remain in their lives and help them find the strength to rebuild and carry on. God bless the Philippines.
Hugs and cuddles
I read somewhere about a lady in America who has started a “Cuddling and Hugging” business. She maintains (and I agree) that everyone, at any age, needs a touch, a gesture of affection. In Spanish we call it “mimos.”
I wonder how many senior citizens were asked to give their candid feedback on the subject.
To cuddle means to fondle someone in your arms; to tenderly fold to your heart. To hug is to embrace, to hold close and cling. Many, especially men, throw their arms around one another, slap each other’s back, and then detach. That is not hugging.
Medical experts have said that embracing and cuddling do wonders for their patients, especially the elderly. They say that hugs actually lower blood pressure. That’s a thought. Away with my maintenance medications!
There are times in a person’s life when the ache for tenderness is so acute it hurts more than an open wound. The need is like a huge void that begs to be filled. You long for the nearness of someone, anyone, who will sit beside you quietly and hold your hand. Maybe all you need is someone to talk to, to walk in step with you, pausing when you do, and urging you to take another step when you falter. In the middle of the night, when you think your heart misses a beat or two, the silent darkness offers no comfort.
We have many needs in life and this one is as real as hunger and thirst. It is a cry that rises from deep within the heart. Food and drink don’t help.
By the way, the “hugs and cuddles” lady charges $60 an hour. I am sure it is worth every penny. And no, the cuddling and hugging do not lead to anything more intimate. It is not allowed in her rules. Cheap thrills are not part of her trade.
I remember when a good friend of mine, who has since gone home to be with the Lord, divorced and in her 70s, suddenly ran off to get married again. When I asked why, she explained: “He is a good man. I am not in love with him. I don’t know what that feels like anymore. But he is with me and holds my hand when we watch the sunset. ” Enough said.
Unfriend?
The recent catastrophe in the Visayas brought our country to its knees. It revealed the best in people here at home and all over the world. Tales of heroism and selflessness have evoked tears of gratefulness, sadness and pride.
Unfortunately, it has also brought out the worst in some of us. If you are on the online social networks, you know what I am talking about.
I have been holding back from reacting to comments made online by self-proclaimed geniuses. From their cozy nests and in air-conditioned comfort, these “Monday morning quarterbacks” gifted with 20/20 hindsight tell all who care to listen how it should be done. Looks like someone has declared it open season for finding fault and taking potshots.
Is this “por amor a la patria?” No way! Give me a break guys. Get off your soapboxes! Instead, start making relief packages, or enlist in a soup kitchen, send a banig, or donate a toy for a child? Whatever!
Now, where can I find that unfriend button?