March 28, 2024

“We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they’re called memories. Some take us forward, they’re called dreams.” — Jeremy Irons
How then do we create new memories? For me, it’s taking a step back to review the past and taking two steps forward, like baby steps, to weave happier times with new experiences. It is accepting the present challenges either alone or with the help family and friends. It is forgiving past events and persons. It is asking for forgiveness and saying you are sorry for past mistakes. It might be difficult, but it will pass.
Most of all, we must thank God for each passing day. Time waits for no one and the future is unknown. As we ground ourselves, connecting heart to mind, and body to earth, we must always remember that the universe grants us our wishes for better and happier lives, albeit slow.
And so I am creating new memories for Valentine’s Day. I am using Ed’s old photographs and giving them new perspectives and stories to family members to reminisce and refresh theirs. Parang pag-aalala “nung bata pa si Sabel” as the saying goes. It is the time to laugh or smile on how we looked before and how time has changed us now.
Gosh, I feel old and yet young. My prayer is, as my body grows, for my mind to stay alert and young. I am starting again to declutter my physical space and its taking forever. I am also little by little going back to unfinished work and dreams.
Am I too old for instance to study painting, dance, travel, or do a podcast? My children maybe smiling at the idea. Will I go back to training or teaching? Or, are my ideas passe? It is also time to go back to walking, the healthiest exercise. Jogging and aerobics? No, too old.
It’s time to watch Korean telenovelas again. Pero minimize “puyat”. What? With those ever changing plots and stories so similar to our culture, I get so enmeshed. Feeling ko bata pa rin ako, complete with the kilig parts. Definitely corny for a lola, pero d’yan ako masaya. Trying to remember old times and the what-ifs. I am also savoring my new life with my children. Reminiscing the unforgettable memories their Papa left. Yes, God is good always. He takes care of us even if we are not aware of it.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all!
May your hearts be filled with love and happiness. Happy birthday to my dear brother-in-law, Pete Siapno. You are the sunshine of Emma’s life and in everybody’s life as well. Continue to be one.