The Year That Was

Here's a quick look at the events and people that shaped my family's 2009:

• I got a little teary-eyed on New Year's Day (Jan. 1, 2009) as I reminisced how happy Hubby and I were when the home pregnancy test showed two lines (positive) exactly a year before (Jan. 1, 2008) and how thankful we were that everything went well for me and our baby who was almost four months old then. We were reminded that God listens and He knows what is best for all of us.


• I met Jen (of Latch) who helped me survive difficult phases of my mission to breastfeed my baby for at least a year. Thank you, Jen, for all the support you have given me. Truly, breastfeeding is a wonderful experience. Our family continues to enjoy the benefits and rewards of breastfeeding up to now and the decision to breastfeed is something I will never regret. I continue to pray that more mothers will choose to breastfeed.


• Our trip to Roxas City during the 2nd quarter of the year brought the family closer and gave Hubby and I our much-needed break. It also felt nice to go back to my hometown and reunite with relatives and old friends.


• The family enjoyed 3 getaways last 2009: Roxas City trip last April-May, EK and overnight in Laguna last June, and 3-day stay at King's Royal Hotel (Pampanga) last August.


• Our baby turned 1 last September 2, 2009. Although the celebration was simple, he enjoyed the company of people closest to him... Mommy, Daddy, Kuyas, Mamu, Dadu, cousins, Tito Ninong, Titos and Titas, and his Ate Ging.
  
• My long overdue project of setting up a blog for me and my family was finally taken out of my "to do list!" Hello, Mommyholic and A Peek Inside Our Box! :)


• Mako also attended his first Halloween party in Mommy's office and got a special award. He came as a baby bat. Hehehe.


• Kuya Maki received his First Communion last December 8, 2009...another reminder for Daddy and Mommy that the kids are growing up fast.


• A big family secret was revealed by Daddy and Mommy to the Kuyas last Christmas. Clue: They officially became newly-appointed Santa helpers. Hehehe!
  

2009 was a great year for the family. Our home continues to overflow with love, warmth and happiness. Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings and for keeping our family together. Please continue to watch over us and our loved ones. You know what is best for all of us...

Reflections and Prayers After Ondoy

Since last week, I have been trying to write something about Ondoy. I was home alone with the kids during that unforgettable weekend as Hubby volunteered on a medical mission and our helper took the weekend off. The heavy rain brought by Ondoy caused heavy traffic and flood everywhere that Hubby and I both decided it was best for him to spend the evening in Pampanga. Besides, he wouldn't be able to enter our subdivision as the flood had reached chest level and the current was strong. I saw tables and benches being swept away. This was only Saturday afternoon and the rain showed no signs of stopping. The kids and I were clueless of what was happening with the rest of Metro Manila as we had no electricity during most of the afternoon because we had to turn the main switch off. Flood reached our home and when it subsided the following day, I knew we had to do some major clean-up as mud and garbage were everywhere.

When I finally learned about what other people went through because of Ondoy, I realized how small my concerns were and how thankful I should be that we are all safe and we still have our home. The following week, I heard, saw and read about the many stories of survival, heroism and loss because of typhoon Ondoy.

Here are some thoughts and prayers after typhoon Ondoy...

My family is the most precious blessing I have received from God. The safety of my Hubby and kids matters most to me. I saw that this is also true for victims of Ondoy who remained thankful and considered themselves blessed because even though they lost their homes and most of their belongings, their loved ones were safe.

During emergencies and other urgent situations, one will find that sudden surge of strength you never knew you had. Home alone with my kids, I knew that no matter what, I will never give up looking for ways to keep us all safe. The stories of survival have been told and I admire the people who remained strong and determined to fight for their lives and survive Ondoy. I also salute the heroes of Ondoy who selflessly and courageously helped rescue friends, neighbors and even strangers. You have reminded me that at the end of the day, we are all brothers and sisters in this world.

Blessings are meant to be shared. I was touched by the downpour of donations from people from various walks of life and to me, it is not how big the amount but how sincere the heart is that really matters. God will bless each and every one who helped the victims in their own special way.

Truly, material possessions will not stay with us forever. In one fleeting moment, they can all disappear. I pray that we will all learn to value those that really matter in life – our family and friends. Thanks to a good friend, I have also been reminded to always make the most of the time I am able to spend with my loved ones and to always let them know how important they are to me and how much love I have for them. I think most of us are living a renewed life after realizing how quick life on earth can be. I promised myself I will be a better mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, colleague, etc. from now on. I promised myself I will stop sweating over small stuff. Misunderstandings should be settled. The friendship/relationship is far more important than winning the fight/argument.

When the rain was pouring heavily as if never wanting to stop, the wind was blowing hard and flood was rising, I shivered at the thought that we are helpless when nature strikes back. Nature can be our best friend and our worst enemy. I pray that all of us will be more mindful of the things we do that affect the environment and do our share in preserving nature.

I agree with Hubby when he said that Ondoy and its aftermath can bring the best and the worst in each of us. I was saddened by news about people taking advantage of the many relief operations and fund-raising activities being conducted for the victims of Ondoy. At this time of need, I pray that these people will set aside personal interests and think about the many people who are starving, homeless and suffering from illnesses after Ondoy.

I pray that each and everyone of us will learn from what happened and will try to be better persons. I pray… because prayers will always be heard by The One who created us all.