A Mom and More

My 50 symbolic and real gifts It made me feel young once more as a child by the Christmas tree: awed by the size of the gift box and eager to know what could be inside it for me. When I opened the box, I was amazed that it contained not just one but 50 [...]

Do you still write personalized birthday notes? I try my best (but choose tiny notes cards to limit the words I have to think of and scribble). But, most don’t write anymore — with too much hustle and bustle in our daily lives leaving us less time at our disposal, our multi-roles as mom, wife, [...]

Tonight, it’s my turn. For most of our parties, I handled reception and guests, games and party activities (since my family and I have long realized that I have not been blessed with culinary talents). Tonight, I am relieved as Arthur (my youngest brother) substitutes for me as the party clown-mascot. Tonight, I celebrated a [...]

Today, 9 November 2007, I turned 50. Unlike my past milestone birthdays at 18, 30, and 40 when I wished for, planned minute details and held big parties attended by relatives from different sides and friends from school, work and business – months back, I told my siblings that I will just have a quiet, [...]

My 50th birthday prayer Inspired by the familial love I felt all around me and in thanksgiving for God’s gift of a half-century of life on earth, I prayed before our usual graces: Lord, thank you – For your gift of life and love for the past 50 years; For my beautiful and loving family [...]