One thing great about unplanned meeting is that, it almost always pushes through unlike other times when you have anticipated and looked forward to it only to find that it was just that – a plan. You feel disappointed. Last Friday was one of those spur of the moment decisions to have lunch with the kids. Since it was a Friday and Josef was still on vacation leave so off we went to Makati to meet Nissa during her lunch break. She needs a xerox copy of Nate’s birth certificate for their flight on Tuesday so I have a perfect excuse to tag along. We had lunch at Cafe France. I enjoyed looking at their display of French bread, croissants, pastries and cookies. My busy mind was at work the whole time I looked at the arrangement on their shelves. I was thinking, “I’ll bake my own Vienna loaf or sourdough one of these days.” I was pleasantly surprised when Nissa told me that it used to be called Deli France and she meant my favorite hangout with some friends years and years ago. Have I grown that old that I never noticed that it has changed its name all these years or have I become such a recluse, often afraid to go out alone?
I used to attend high school reunions on a regular basis but then even that has lost its magic. Seeing my former classmates on Facebook is now enough for me. I have my group now, mostly members of our Catholic page where I am an admin. They are OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) who make sacrifices being away to earn a few dollars to support their family back home. When they go home for vacation, some of them drop by to see me and we usually have long chats on how life is away from one’s family. I know, I always tell them, I was a OFW wife for more than twenty years. I know what one feels when you are faced with a gargantuan task of raising a family alone while at the same time trying to balance a day job. Maybe, I was luckier than most to have found reliable minders to my kids back then.
Things do not always end the way you planned. Sometimes, there is a greater force you have no control of. These are those things that make you stronger in faith that you will get through it all. The richness of life does not always come from good things thrown your way, most of it comes from your experience of what pain is all about and how you cope with it. You learn and you learn well. When the journey becomes a perilous path of uncertainty, you pray hard for guidance and God never disappoints.
On a lighter note, I am quite happy that we have finished putting some Christmas decor. Most are recycled and favorite pieces over the years. I took advantage of Josef being home to help me hang the trimmings. I am still thinking of putting Christmas lights on the newly trimmed tree in our garden. We have this kind of pine tree that I can’t identify planted near our little pond and I think it would be perfect for that holiday touch.
Spontaneous outings are often the best kind Arlene, and I am pleased that you had a nice outing.
I have always admired the dedication of foreign workers in the UK, from many countries, including yours. Working hard, sending money home, and putting their family responsibilities above their own comforts. We could learn a lot from their small sacrifices.
Best wishes from England, Pete.
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They call our OFWs here our heroes because those dollars that they send back home help our economy grow. It is so sad thought that sometimes, those same sacrifices away from one’s family are the cause of family breakups, kids growing without a father or a mother at their side, growing up resentful of their incomplete family.
Oh yes, I enjoyed the laughter, the joyful moments seeing them happy.Took them a long time to decide what to order. Me? I enjoyed my favorite Four Seasons drink.
Thanks Pete as always 🙂
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Arlene, what a heartfelt post you wrote today. I feel as if I can relate to your words in so many ways. Thank you kindly for sharing your story with us. Take care my dear and happy blogging to ya…
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You’re welcome Laura! I’ve seen your current posts but I haven’t read them yet. Have a nice week ahead!
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Those spontaneous outings are the best surprises. Few or many dollars, better than the meager amount they most of the times get working at home.
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Hard-earned money Lou! Yes, most of those I meet have their stories to tell and sometimes, their experiences are heart-breaking lalo na yung mga nasa Hongkong, Singapore etc. If it is hard to the person leaving his/her family, it is even harder for those who are left behind.
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i’m all for spontaneous outings. no expectations and they’re fun!
OFWs are truly commendable, Arlene. their sacrifice is heroic and i hope people remember that.
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The beauty of discovering something lovely when it is not planned.
Yes they are lolaWi, our OFWs are true heroes, they leave their families behind to earn while our crooked politicians are amassing money left and right, bleeding us dry.
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Good family bonding is priceless. There was a time I’m into party gatherings and outings with friends but realized a few years back that the most meaningful and lasting ones are those we share with our spouse and kids. Thus now, our lives are simpler yet happier. Thanks for sharing a beautiful, fun family event. These are what great days are made of. Regards. God bless.
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As we grow older, we appreciate the simple things in life, our priorities switch to family bonding, never mind if it’s just a simple reminiscing of events when they were kids or recalling some places you’ve been to together.
You are right, great days are made of these. Thanks IT. God bless you and your family too.
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