The four of us were supposed to fly to Dumaguete to celebrate my thirty-something birthday weekend. Instead, I spent my special day at the Asian Hospital looking over my daughter who was vomitting uncontrollably since Wednesday because of her stomach flu. Also on my special day, Senator Trillanes decides to throw me a surprise party at the 2nd floor of the Manila Peninsula. That day also happened to be the gloomiest, darkest, rainiest and most cloudy day of the year. But instead of dwelling on the negative aspect of that day, I am inspired by Mieke to come up with my list of things I am most thankful for. It comes almost 2 weeks after thanksgiving but it's never too late, right? So here goes....
1. Thank you God for making my daughter well. I was so frantic when I brought Annika to the hospital, asking the doctors and the nurses for details and explanations that in the midst of all the frenzy, I forgot to pray to God. So the minute Annika got discharged last Saturday, Reymond and I heard mass. The next day, we heard mass again but this time, we had Annika and Alessi with us. One should never underestimate the power of prayer. I don't think I could've gotten through this ordeal without the strength the Lord had given me. Thank you, thank you. I'm so thankful that I have Annika back home, healthy and safe.
2. Thank you to my BCBP prayer group who offered prayers for Annika. Strength in numbers, right? Ces, thanks for dropping by. You, Teena and Gel are the only 'girlfriends' of Reymond that I truly like and am not jealous of! Hahahahaha! Because I know you guys are genuine and I know that Reymond loves all three of you soooo much. As such, I consider you my girlfriends as well.
3. Thank you to Dr. Teena Magno who takes very good care of Annika. Teena, I dont know what I would've done without you. And what I love about Teena is.....whether she is in a good mood, bad mood, problematic, stressed also by other parents....her disposition never changes! Reymond and I love her to bits! We will forever be grateful to her for giving our children the very best medical attention.
4. Thank you to my family - the old one. They all gathered around me to give me the support I needed. It was evident when Annika was in the hospital but even on normal days and not so stressful days, they stand by me and help me whenever and wherever. I'm so proud to be part of a big and close-knit family! Even if there are times they are already hovering on being nosy (can also be described as being overyly curious about the affairs of others), I would not replace them for any other. Paolo, even if you're a dork because: a) you didn't know your godchild was in the hospital and b) you forgot my birthday, I still love you and you will always be our baby. Thanks guys! I love you all!
5. Thank you to my friends who sent their birthday greetings and also prayed for the speedy recovery of Annika. All the messages that came via text, facebook, friendster, multiply... thank you! I appreciate all your well wishes! Ria, thank you to you and Talia for taking time out to come and visit. Talia put a smile on Annika's face that day. Special mention to Jill who never stopped texting and calling me for the 3 days I was in the hospital. Jill, i remember what you wrote on my birthday card and I can't help but smile when I think of all the crazy and looney things we've been through...especially mommy matters! People say it's hard to find friends outside your childhood buddies but I think I've found one in Jill. I hope Cam and Annika grow up to be great friends....even if you transfer her to DLSZ! Never mind, neighbors pa rin!
6. Thank you to Alessi for making me smile with all her crazy antics. Example: when Cindy and Dondi asked her if she wanted to have breakfast in their house since she was alone (Reymond and I were at the hospital), she asked what their food was! Hahahahaha! Cindy was taken aback. She was merely expecting Alessi to accept her invitation. Hello, namili pa ng pagkain! Another example: at the hospital room while talking to Kuya Bunny who was wearing his white coat, she asked him why he was dressed as a doctor! Bwahahahahahaha! She's so 'ungas'! KB was super gigil with her. Lessi, we love you and Ate so much! Even if you're super kengkay.
7. Thank you to Reymond for being the best husband to me and the best father to our girls. He is unbelievably patient with me even if I say the bitchiest things, he tries his best not to make patol even when I become the rudest person when under extreme stress and he never ever loses his composure even when I turn into a witch because I can't vent my frustrations on any other person except him. I love him so much. He doesn't have a multiply account nor a friendster account nor a facebook account nor does he ever read my blog unless I force him to but I hope that in one way or the other, he realizes how much I truly, truly love him.
8. Thank you GOD for all my blessings. I hope that your renewed presence in my life will allow me to have a closer relationship with you. I now realize that I must lift everything up to you. You are my savior, my redeemer, my source of strength, my provider, my main man and reason for my being. Thank you for your presence in my life. I hope that by praising you, I am able to bring people closer to you.
Hey guys, if I didn't mention your name particularly, it doesn't mean I love you any less. Thank you all for your presence in my life. In one way or the other, you all inspire me to become a better person. Thank you. Thank you.
