5.16.2013

Thankfulness: Grandmother In Our Lives

The house is quiet. Not a single noise is heard except for the monotonous sound of the fans in the room. My household is slumbering, probably snoring to a faraway land. They have been busy earlier marketing, preparing, cooking, hosting. No traces of merrymaking could be detected except from the glass wares on the dining table waiting to be kept in the cupboard. I could almost create a conversation amongst them saying, "Sigh, tomorrow, we will be back where we truly belong." The clutter all cleared from the revelry and joviality, excitement and delight of my grandmother’s imminent 87th birthday celebration.

I pause,
I contemplate,
and count my blessings!


As I stared at Lola Lucy (while she was making a wish after blowing two birthday cakes Loren and Alex; Katkat and Jaime have presented), I failed not to marvel at how young she appeared aesthetically despite the prevalent wrinkles and lines in her face, neck and arms. The contentment and peace that radiated from within her is all the more noticeable. She stood regally. Her voice depicted a command of authority. Her memory sharp. She is akin to a wine aged for decades; the longer it is the better it tastes or like a cheese that is ripened to intensify its flavor and transform its texture.

She is partly the reason why I am the way I am now. When I was growing up, she incessantly and untiringly instilled the values of money and time. We would have our one-on-one session regularly and as an adolescent, I dreaded those moments, acceding to everything she said to make our “sessions” short. I was mischievous and still am.

She taught me to budget my allowance. She reminded me to always give my tithe, to put a part of it in safe keeping in case of a rainy day and further instructed me to never be ashamed of any job as long as it is modest and honest. I was free-spirited then, younger and unwise. However, with her words reverberating in my mind, I have now learned to appreciate them and have understood everything in the process of growing up. Yes, she instilled values I am thankful for; values that keeps me rooted and unfazed despite the changing times.

As I conclude this entry today, I wish that she would live for as long as God wills her to, to continue to age gracefully and unceasingly be an encouragement to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren from whom love, kindness and gentleness is obtained. She is our pillar, our anchor and our strength to carry on with life.

16 comments :

  1. may GOD bless your lola! i'm sure she knows how lovely you have turned out to be too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Happy Birthday to your Lola sis, ohhh with your post, i remember my lola, she's like your lola too, very maalaga to her apo...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, I hope your Lola had a great birthday! Lolas are awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Farida, she looks soo young! Happy Birthday to your grandma!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Happy birthday to sweet grand ma x

    ReplyDelete
  6. How very blessed you have been to been taught some of life's lessons from such a wonderful lady! I can tell how much you cherish her!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Happy birthday to your Lola,, Namiss ko tuloy lola ko:)

    ReplyDelete
  8. She is beautiful....she looks younger than me:)

    ReplyDelete
  9. That's wise of her to say. Saving is something I wish to learn and impart to my kids as well. Happy birthday to your very smart grandma.

    ReplyDelete
  10. A tribute to your grandmother, and all grandmothers!

    ReplyDelete
  11. So beautifully written! Your grandmother has aged very gracefully; and from your description is beautiful both inside and out. She has been a blessing to you from God.

    ReplyDelete
  12. She looks fantastic for 87! I love your bond with family.

    ReplyDelete
  13. this is very touching. i am a lola's girl myself. she took care of me eversince i was born. she's more than a mom to me. your post made me missed her so much i want to go to the province right now just to hug her. :-)

    happy birthday to your grandma!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am a lola's girl.. hehe i miss my lola now after reading your post. hehe i was with her everyday when i was young then we moved in manila so we seldom see her now but we always make time for her. good thing she knows how to use a cellphone.. hehehe

    ReplyDelete
  15. Your Grandma looks young for 87. And you are so blessed for still having her. Happy Birthday to your dear Lola!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Birthday blessings to your dear grandmother.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...