Skip to main content

I just text’d to say “I love you”

The house was quiet…once again.

Kids were in school and hubby was at work.
Out of the blue…I had the urge to just let my husband know that I love him…

So I sent him a text…”I love you”
And then I sent the same text to my three crumbcatchers…
Somehow today, I just want to quietly utter those three powerful words – via Verizon wireless!

My favorite author, Kahlil Gibran wrote,
        “Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit.”

I guess today, my tree is just blooming with flowers!

I wonder why today – of all the days?

I’m kind of feeling “blah” today. It’s probably because I am nearing the completion of a year-long project. I’ve been writing a book about my family’s struggles – tragedies that make “Angela’s Ashes” a nice walk in Central Park. I’ve re-read and re-organized the beginning of my book – probably 10 times! Stopped, asked a few friends to read the first chapter to get their feedback, put it aside, and now that I’m ready to submit it to publishing (or editing), I am having second thoughts!

GottaLoveMom has been my stage for almost two years now, and now I think I’m ready for a bigger venue. (But I’m kind of getting queasy that I started procrastinating again….)

But I made a promise…

Life has not been easy for my parents, my five brothers and I, but one thing that keeps us going is LOVE. My parents showed us how to count our blessings. The love we have for one another is one thing that helped us go through the tragedies we had to face. And when I say “tragedy”, I mean total misfortune!

We are not the “Leave it to Beaver” kind of family – not even close. We’re not the Brady Bunch either (maybe just the musical part). We have had disagreements, and yet even now that our eldest is turning 50 in a couple of days, we still enjoy making fun of one another, chat, listen and vent.

So when a new acquaintance-editor asked me,
    “Why did you write the book?
      What’s the purpose?
      Who’s your audience?
      Why would someone want to read your memoirs?”

My first reaction was “I don’t know why would anyone want to read someone’s tragic life?”

But then again, the tragedies are part of who we are. Maybe we are here on earth for a reason – a purpose. Just like that “Quantum Leap” television series, maybe we end up in a situation because our mere existence is part of “putting right what once went wrong”. Maybe we truly are super heroes in our own little way.

And hopefully the next generation – my children, nieces and nephews will realize how blessed they truly are.

    Because after you’ve shed every tear drop, a smile will eventually resurface.
   Because after the sun sets, the moon and stars brighten the dark skies;
   Because after dark night, the sun shines the next day...to start a new day of adventures.


Have a great week everyone and thank you for listening :)

A blogger-friend, "Off the Beaten Trek", just reminded me that Veteran's Day is coming up...I just want to say "thank you" to all those who risk their lives so that I can enjoy this peaceful day...

Comments

  1. Good luck on your book. I'm sure it's awesome just like the stuff you post about. I'm so excited for you Jenjen!!

    Have a nice day!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great blog. I'm following you now!
    http://pregnancybaby411.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm sure seeing your text message brought a smile to their faces. :)

    So excited for you on your book!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think its important to say I love you when its unexpected. It means more!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Completed my first 16 Week IsaBody Challenge: Believe You Have A Purpose

My family is what matters most to me.  I’m 51 and a mother of 4 (ages 14 – 26). I wanted to be healthier, more active and stronger not just for me, but for the people I love.  I wanted to set an example for my family that we each possess the tools to master our wellness and vitality. I've always been petite except when I was pregnant ( when I gained an average of 50 pounds per pregnancy - 4 times!) Over the years I had tried various diet and exercise regimens, and I did enjoy a degree of success, but the results were not to the level I hoped for, and they were somewhat short lived.   Achieving stable, long-lasting results proved stubbornly elusive.    Then when I hit menopause everything became more difficult.    My body stopped cooperating altogether, and I was constantly grumpy. My waist and hips expanded and I found myself napping in the afternoons.    I started to accept the idea that there would be this new, less vibrant version of me. I just completed my P

Immigration and Family: Will my mom ever get to see my daughter walk down the aisle

Last year when my father passed away in the Philippines, I went home and took some time to visit the U.S. Embassy in Manila to ask what the options are for my mother to return to the U.S. The consul reminded me of the 10-year travel ban. That on or after November 8, 2015 — not earlier – or 10 years after my mom, was deported in 2005 for overstaying her visa, I can email the U.S. Embassy and inquire about my mother’s approved petition. I asked if I need to file another petition, and she informed me I didn’t have to. I asked if I could… and she stopped me and said to ask everything on or after November 8, 2015. This is where I am, and where my thoughts are drifting as I celebrate this month my 16th American birthday. I am counting the months, the weeks and the days. My daughter is getting married in January 2016 and I would love to have my entire family, especially my mother, to be here when that momentous occasion happens.

SPICE-up a young child's development: social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional

Children are the precious gems of a family. When they’re young and innocent, they are like sponges that willingly and quickly absorb any knowledge and emotion. That’s why at an early age, we encourage our children to read, be creative, be happy and feed their curiosity. With all the technology and instant gratification that children get from playing video or computer games, asking a child to read a good book has been a challenge for some parents .     “Your children are not your children.       They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.       They come through you but not from you,       And though they are with you, and yet they belong not to you.       You may give them your love but not your thoughts,        For they have their own thoughts.        You may house their bodies but not their souls,        For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,        which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.” -                     Kahlil Gibr

Helping others surpass their goals and expectations

"It's not about the end goal. It's who you become by consistently pushing to the edge of your limits." - Robin Sharma Do you ever wonder why you stumble on new things?  Do you ever wonder why unsuspecting strangers cross your path? Do you ever wonder why your mind takes you to a direction you didn't think exist? I was walking to StarBucks to meet my husband when I noticed a sign...

Still shaky, skidded in snow, but so blessed my guardian angels are looking after me!

"Never again wonder, what to be thankful for..."   - Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life It’s yet another snowy day in New Jersey. Beautiful, yes but dangerous! In line with my goal for this month is to get back on schedule. I got up around 4am to get my 15yo ready for his Model United Nations conference. (Thankful that our neighbor offered to drive him to school by 5:30am ) I got my 9yo ready for school and I'm thankful that my other neighbor offered to drive him to school. I then drove my husband to the train station to Manhattan. I decided to stop by the Community Center and decided to run a fast 5K on the treadmill. I was 1 mile short because I was so sweaty and hot. (Note to self: dress lightly next time) While cooling down inside the car, I read Day 14’s chapter of Rick Warren's the “Purpose Driven Life” book. I felt really good because it just reminded me that there is always something to be thankful for no matter how awful yo