T.E.N.

years have gone by

we grew up

at times we grow apart

we chose each other

despite our differences

we stayed together

claiming our success

admitting our defeat

renewing an oath

over and over again

was it chemistry?

King’s Island breeze

sheer terror of roller-coaster rides

the cold ice-cream of forgotten flavor

torn and faded blue jeans

with a mismatched top

was it bits of infatuation?

when we walked together

and the time froze

like short-lived winter frost

waffles in the morning

the almost empty dining hall

the noisiest place would be the laundry room

was it destiny?

the shine caught my eyes

a round diamond on the ring finger

mounted on a white gold band

when white wedding was all I asked

staying together ever since

when love is supposedly to steer

a bittersweet journey ahead

accepting flaws and forgiving one another

is everyday normalcy

Sibling Bonding

“Mom, she doesn’t want to share..” cried Ajib.

“Mama, it’s mine..” Liya pressed her statement.

I deliberately did not want to favor either Ajib or Liya. They fight as regular as they enjoy each other’s company. Nothing in the world can beat the music to my ears when they giggle and laugh even though I must hush them up if I am driving or talking over the telephone.

I usually carried a small notebook and several pens in my handbag. For example, by letting Liya and Ajib occupied before the meal, the table was in array. Each drew what they saw in the restaurant.  So, sharing can improve understanding and communication skills. Ajib and Liya also can learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses as well as personal preferences. This is hoped to overcome sibling rivalry and ensure lifetime bonding with mutual repect.

Merci

I am thankful for all the wonderful things that have happened in my life. I have a loving and an understanding partner; and beautiful, healthy and happy Ajib and Liya.

Saying ‘thank you’ and “I Love You” although is very straightforward simple but the ritual has been neglected by many of us. Show little appreciation over small things every single day enables us to stay in love for a long time and in return, without fail we will be rewarded with care and love from our family members too.

Parenting as well as growing up needs adjustments and compromises. We grow on daily basis. We renew our faith. We accumulate hopes. We share dreams. And more importantly, we can visualize our happy family for all tomorrows..

When we fell out of love..

I’ve seen how a family structure collapsed. Kids on the side, mom goes East and Dad goes South. It was never a pretty picture. Torn in between, children sometimes must choose with whom they want to follow.

 

Factors may include financial problems, extra marital affairs, and family’s influences. Over the years, no doubt our priorities have changed and our physical attractions may have waned. If we forget our oath to stay in sickness and in health or even the promise to grow old together, we maybe swept in our problems and stressful life events.

 

I once received “A Message from the Woods” little handmade card. It was meant as a high school prom invitation card from HY. He drew the cover page. Inside, he popped the question whether I would be his prom date. To cut the story short, I accepted and went to the prom with HY.

 

Of course there are other incidents that we faced together through thick and thin. Life is sometimes playing tricks on us. However, those little things that make us fall in love with the same person over and over again. In spite of many challenges in life, we would stay in love and respect each other.

 

HY and I had dinner with the M’s, an American couple who we have known for about 5 years. Recently on Facebook, DM added a picture dating back 30 years. I have always admired the way they look at each other. Each smile, each stroke when we spent our evening with them made me wonder their ‘secret recipe.’  They survived the 30 years, raised a son and daughter and now they are proud grandparents to a 7-year old boy. To the great couple, DM especially, I solute thee…..