Of Rain and Hearts

The rain is beating hard on the windshield and I noted with irony how Parokya ni Edgar's take on Apo's "Pumapatak na Naman ang Ulan" is blaring loudly from the car's stereo. Forest is snuggling on my lap. Rod is leaning against my left shoulder. Janin and Mama are seated right at the back. As Tatay and I sang along to the music, I acknowledged the feeling of contentment that washed over me...

I felt grateful for everything: for the comfortable ride that's protecting us from the rain and making our going home not at all that difficult. I know a lot others are less lucky than us and had to endure getting soaked while trudging through flooded streets. We passed by a taxi driver getting out of his unit to check on it. Tatay and I both remarked how difficult it must be for all taxi drivers who had to endure the scorching heat of the sun the entire day only to get wet at night.

Most of all, however, I was very grateful for my family and the fact that we are all together. I was even grateful for the music and how it helps foster that atmosphere of togetherness. We were listening to the entire “Kami NAPO Muna Album.” I could go on and on as to how great it is but that’s a different blog altogether, not to mention, that a lot of raving reviews have been written about it since its release.

Today is Valentine’s Day. For all the hype about it, I can’t help but be among those who marks the date as a “special occasion.” But, if only for the fact that it provides one the venue and the excuse to once again fuss about one’s loved ones.

I’ve been very busy for like forever. I don’t see myself slowing down for another decade or so (God-willing). That is why I look forward to “special dates” to allow myself some breathing space and spend some “extra” special time with family.

These days, the demands of work and other preoccupations could easily take a toll on one’s relationships. Often, we lose sight of the things that really matter like health and family. So, yeah, others may call it corny to celebrate Heart’s Day but if it gives me an excuse to make extra effort to show my love and appreciation for my family and the people that I care about, then I’d take being corny and cheesy any time. After all, what other people thinks doesn’t really matter. Family and relationships are what matters most. That, and their knowing full well how much they are valued and appreciated by me.

Happy Heart’s Day family and loved ones. You certainly mean the whole world to me though I maybe too busy to tell and show you that everyday.

To my family and friends, thank you for the conversations, for the love and the time and the memories. Let’s set aside some time from our busy lives to re-connect once again :) But the good thing about good friends and one’s family is that you don’t need to see each other often just to know that you can always count on them and that the love is there.

To Tatay, thank you for the flowers this morning and the movie date last Sunday. Thank you for taking the time, everyday, just to tell me how you find me in your eyes. Thank you for letting me be who I am and for letting me pursue all the things that matter to me. There may be times that I feel that being married is “crimping” my style, not giving me enough time to accomplish all my work concerns. The truth is, you are my wings. You take care of some of my responsibilities just so you could allow me to pursue what I’m passionate about. You are the greatest running buddy there is, both in the tracks and in life. Thank you for supporting me in more ways than one. I love you.

To Mama, there are no words enough to capture the gratitude I feel for your simply being who you are in my life, in our lives. I love you more than I can show you how...