happy mail

gosh, i have not received this much mail... not since i started getting connected to classmates of way back when. just a couple of days not opening my mailbox, and i'm in the red. full to the limit. some messages even bouncing.

i did not realize how exciting it is to connect, reminisce, and update each other, from different parts of the world, after almost twenty five years. i have forgotten how much fun it was back then, when things were simple. when we just had to go to school to study and learn and cultivate friendships. and how much more enjoyable it is now to relive these memories and re-establish these friendships. it is amazing how some could remember minute details of past events, as if they had just happened yesterday. so vividly, in full living color. some of which are embarrassing, outrageous, unbelievable, hilarious. i find myself almost falling off my seat in front of the computer, laughing my heart out. and then my daughter goes, "what's so funny, mom?" and i can't stop laughing like how i did way back then.

each day i look forward to opening my mailbox, lest my server warns me i'm in the red again. most of all i look forward to opening my mailbox to be reminded of happy memories which never fail to make me smile. and most often bring out a hearty laugh from within me.

more than earthly dreams

why is it that the poor of the poor
suffer in the heat for days and days
only to be crushed
with their dreams?

why is it that the simple and innocent
go on with their daily work and study
only to be buried
with their dreams?

i cannot imagine it is to punish
the victims of such calamities
severe and unexpected
man-made or by mother nature.

i imagine it is to enlighten
those who are left behind
to respond as they should
to act, to help, and to pray.

i imagine it is his way to save
the victims, his beloved children
from their earthly gods and suffering
to grant them much more than their dreams.

valentine's gift

more than my favorite carnations
more than a box of belgian chocolates
more than a quiet candlelit dinner
more than a romantic get-away

this valentine's day
was more than all those
but just what and how
i had prayed it would be

as today i am free
of my fear
of my anxiety
of my insecurity

nothing else really matters
much more than
this freedom

thank you god
for my valentine's gift

calm me

calm me
as i worry
because i am a doctor
and i think of the worst

calm me
as i am anxious
because i am human
and i am afraid of pain

calm me
as i am insecure
because i am your child
and i have little faith

12 reasons on our 12th year

1 because you accept me for what i am
2 and yet you encourage me to be the best that i can be
3 because you are hardworking to be able to provide
4 and yet you are so lovingly present as a father to our kids
5 because you are a man of few words
6 and yet you fill me with affection
7 because you are practical and realistic
8 and yet you dare to dream big with me
9 because you are my best friend
10 and you have made the past 12 years the best ever
11 because you are a loyal witness to my life
12 which bound with yours, is complete

family prayer

thank you god for blessing us
with the gift of
l i f e & l o v e .
bless each of us with
c h a r a c t e r
to live our lives
with a collective purpose
to make each other
h a p p y .

help us to appreciate
all that we have.
to be
c o n t e n t ,
g r a t e f u l &
p r o u d
in a grateful pride
that strives to be
m o r e
w o r t h y .