BEST GIFT at 44

Yesterday was my 44th birthday. I received gifts of all sorts but there were three things that made me happiest: two class cards, and a cake that my daughter brought home before dinnertime.

While we were enjoying her sweet pasalubong (not choco-flavored this time like we usually have but delicious mango), she blurted out, "I got my classcards in FRM 90 and FRM 100," while handing it to me. I almost broke into tears seeing two classcards with 1.5 ratings for her Cartography and Forest Resources Management in UPLB. After a moment I cracked a joke saying, "I thought the cake was for me, it's a gift for yourself pala, for your effort in FRM," and we laughed out loud (she says that's LOL), while finishing the cake that tasted like ice cream, (so yummy!). Today will be the last day of her finals in Forestry, and I received the best gift ever.

She's indeed God's gift to me. Her company is what I am so thankful for, above all else. Everyday is worth anticipating because of the activities that we do together. The commercial that goes something like, "Hindi na ba kayo makasabay?" does not apply to us. We understand each other, despite the 28-year age gap. She does not mind singing songs of the 80s, that's when I was her age; and even if she's ashamed of it, she lets me sing songs of Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers in our room. I allow her to read messages on my cell phone but I never peek at hers. Well, I have a lot to say about our relationship, I may not have enough space for this. So to wrap it up, we are sisters and friends, but we don't forget that I am the mother and she is the child.

A lot of other things completed my special day. First, I received greetings in advance. My family and friends made me feel special on my red-letter day. I'm still receiving greetings up to now, and I could not ask for more, I feel so blessed. 

Let me pause for a break, it's time to prepare our breakfast.

WRITING FEVER

"Why don't you write, Ate?" asked my cousin Jesse. "If you try to write, you might be amazed to discover how many stories you can come up with. Try writing a story, a script, a novel, anything!"

I just shrugged my shoulders, for I don't believe I can. Writing would entail a lot of time and I don't have that. A good writer has a lot of vocabulary in store, and neither do I have that. I don't even remember a book I have read. I am not fond of reading, unlike all the girls in my family. How can I compose a good story when I don't believe that I have what it takes to be a writer? If I write, it will only be me and my parents who will appreciate my writing. I doubt it if my daughter will even take a minute to read it.

But some things happen along the way even if it's not in our plans. I am now getting inclined to it because I have a lot of free time at home. Writing eases the boredom of having no one to talk to when my daughter is in school. I needed to talk to the world outside through my computer. So here I am, enjoying the new venture. 

I had a few rehearsals, though. Some friends have sought my help for their children's writing assignments, to which I gladly complied. I gave them tips and some information on how to go over it. No, I didn't spoon-feed. That was also how I taught my little girl.

Now it's hello world, here I come... trying to compose the confidence which has been lost for quite a time. I am writing not for anybody else but for myself, hoping that this fever will be therapeutic for me.

I am aware of my capabilities and limitations, though. There's still a lot to learn, but I promise to do my assignment. Plus, I have a lot to share insofar as lessons in life is concerned so I will never run out of topic to discuss. I've been through a lot of ups and downs; I've seen a lot of what the world has to offer. And maybe, just maybe... the reason why I've been through it all is because I've been destined to write when I grow old... and it's happening now.