listen with your heart and may you derive much comfort and hope as you remember all that you have lost...
Monday, November 29, 2010
finding love
listen with your heart and may you derive much comfort and hope as you remember all that you have lost...
Thursday, November 25, 2010
happy thanksgiving
The Canticle of the Creatures - St. Francis of Assisi
Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,
All praise is Yours, all glory, honor and blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong;
no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.
We praise You, Lord, for all Your creatures,
especially for Brother Sun,
who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,
of You Most High, he bears your likeness.
We praise You, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars,
in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.
We praise You, Lord, for Brothers Wind and Air,
fair and stormy, all weather's moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.
We praise You, Lord, for Sister Water,
so useful, humble, precious and pure.
We praise You, Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night.
He is beautiful, playful, robust, and strong.
We praise You, Lord, for Sister Earth,
who sustains us
with her fruits, colored flowers, and herbs.
We praise You, Lord, for those who pardon,
for love of You bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace,
by You Most High, they will be crowned.
We praise You, Lord, for Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in their sins!
Blessed are those that She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.
We praise and bless You, Lord, and give You thanks,
and serve You in all humility.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Smashwords: An Introduction
Smashwords: Smashwords - Ebook Publishing and Distribution Mad...: "Over 10,000 authors and publishers around the world now use Smashwords as their ebook publishing and distribution platform. I'm thrilled wi..."
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
pick a book 03
"Ever wonder where you'd end up if you took your dog for a walk and never once pulled back on the leash?"
- Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com
"A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk."
- O.A. Battista
"What really helps motivate me to walk are my dogs, who are my best pals. They keep you honest about walking because when it's time to go, you can't disappoint those little faces."
- Wendie Malick
before you go on a jaunt with your trusted furry friend , be sure to pick a book!
This guide shows you how to teach your dog obedience like "sit" and "come" and other useful commands. It also provides ideas on how to teach your dog tricks and do work for you.
Connecticut is a great place to hike with your dog. Within a short drive your dog can climb hills that leave him panting, explore dark ravines, or follow streams for miles and never lose sight of the water. This book describes the 20 best outings you can find with your best trail pal. While walking the dog, you'll get generous helpings of history, botany, geology, and more.
The Chesapeake is a great place to hike with your dog. Around the bay your dog can climb hills that leave him panting, explore secluded beaches or take long walks for miles and never lose sight of the water. This book describes the 20 best outings you can find for your best trail pal. While walking the dog, you'll get generous helpings of local history, botany, geology and more.
Northern Virginia is a great place to hike with your dog. Within a short drive your dog can climb hills that leave him panting, walk on some of the most historic grounds in America or explore great rivers. This book describes the 20 best outings you can find with your best trail pal. While walking the dog, you'll get generous helpings of local history, botany, geology and more.
The Finger Lakes are a great place to hike with your dog. Within a short drive your dog can climb hills that leave him panting, explore dark ravines, or circle lakes for miles and never lose sight of the water. This book describes the 20 best outings you can find with your best trail pal. While walking the dog, you'll get generous helpings of history, botany, geology and more.
The Berkshires are a great place to hike with your dog. Within a short drive your dog can climb hills that leave him panting, explore dark ravines, or circle lakes for miles and never lose sight of the water. This book describes the 20 best outings you can find with your best trail pal. While walking the dog, you'll get generous helpings of history, botany, geology and more.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
BlogUpp
i have been reading and skimming through a lot of blogs lately. banners and sidebars are often two things that draw me to a blog and i must say i'm quite impressed by the diversity of bloggers and by the creativity involved in making their sites attractive.
one widget that caught my attention featured blog pages scrolling one after the other! definitely curious and feeling a little green, i told myself i just had to get one for my sidebar too.
BlogUpp offers a simple and free advertising service. sign ups are not required. one enters the link to his blogsite and a widget code is generated. all submitted blogs are analyzed individually and approval is made within one business day. this approach makes sense and gives me assurance that sites containing adult, gambling and illegal or inappropriate content will not show up on my widget!
the service works this way:
one widget that caught my attention featured blog pages scrolling one after the other! definitely curious and feeling a little green, i told myself i just had to get one for my sidebar too.
BlogUpp offers a simple and free advertising service. sign ups are not required. one enters the link to his blogsite and a widget code is generated. all submitted blogs are analyzed individually and approval is made within one business day. this approach makes sense and gives me assurance that sites containing adult, gambling and illegal or inappropriate content will not show up on my widget!
the service works this way:
- your blog snapshot with the latest post is advertised
- 10 other blogs are shown in your widget and yours is shared in 9 others
approved blogs are also promoted through a blog directory, a blog discovery toolbar, Facebook and Twitter.
BlogUpp definitely offers a tool for increasing exposure and traffic. one just have to remember that it's still the blogger's responsibility to do his part in posting quality blogs that appeal to his readers.
BlogUpp definitely offers a tool for increasing exposure and traffic. one just have to remember that it's still the blogger's responsibility to do his part in posting quality blogs that appeal to his readers.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
pick a book 02
an eclectic mix from spirituality, cosmetic surgery, music to employee engagement. whatever you fancy reading over the weekend, pick a book!
With God's inspiration and a willing hand, anything is possible. Are you looking to gain God's clarity and direction for your life? Want help connecting the principles of scripture with your day-to-day schedule? Like to avoid the many traps that keep people busy tending their garden instead of sharing the harvest? In nine action-inspiring chapters, Time for God will help you do all that and more.
This is the ultimate guide to the latest non-surgical methods to enhance one’s appearance. Written by a plastic surgeon’s nurse, it advises readers what to do instead of getting liposuction, facelifts, tummy tucks, etc. Contains reviews of popular procedures and products, like the Dermaroller and red LED light therapy, so readers won’t waste money on things that don’t work.
Manchester in the late 1960s and early 1970s revolved around the exploits of one man - George Best. At his side throughout this exciting period was his best friend and confidante Malcolm Wagner (or Waggy as he is universally known). Now for the first time Waggy sets the record straight on George’s exploits during a period when he was the most recognisable face in the world.
An honest look at being socially, economically, emotionally disenfranchised. Both a plaintive cry and introspective analysis, it's a calling to account of society and self. More than anything else, this book is a message. To all who know the frustration of moving inside a world that takes no notice, who struggle to become or remain loving under adversary, these poems say me too. You're not alone.
This is a true account of over 20 years of severe child abuse. It has been praised and endorsed by many relevant professionals including praise from the British Psychology Society. Bridget is admitted into a psychiatric unit for an initial 2 weeks which turns into years, as when she starts to reveal her past, even the most hardened professionals are shaken to the core and amazed at her survival.
Most people have heard that following Christ ought to be life changing. But even Christians know that life often feels too hard, even purposeless, and God seems too distant. It’s time we understood just how embedded we are with God, so that we can live free from guilt over past sins, free from spiritual failure resulting from ignoring God, and free from loneliness and spiritual isolation.
Are you interested in Global Business? Don't have time to read a book? This book is 123 one-liners collected after a 30 year career in international business. There are proverbs, checklists, and a great deal of good solid advice from the People who brought you Lessons from the Road; Start up tips 1-2-3
What is Employee Engagement? And why should I care? I was one of the leaders asking these questions. Perhaps you are too. This accessible guide shows you how to create an Employee Engagement program that fits your organization — resulting in new growth, increased profits and empowered employees. Join me for a trip behind the Corporate Curtain and explore the new gold standard in management.
Vegetarian Cooking Secrets contains over 500 nutritious, delicious, and creative vegetarian recipes These span from soups and stews to savory dishes, macaroni dishes, potato dishes, rice dishes, salads, vegetable dishes, pies, custards, cakes, and more It includes ways to make older and secretive dishes that have been passed from generation to generation.
Finally, a step by step guide on how to write hip hop lyrics that will amaze audiences! No longer do you have to scratch your head in confusion wondering how to get started in hip hop writing. Discover how to write dynamic hip hop lyrics........from your own mind and creativity. Grab a pencil and watch your abilities soar to new heights. Get this book today and be on the road to stardom!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
birthday blessings
yesterday was my eldest nephew's birthday. today is my brother's. in a week or so my other nephew will have his too. this old irish blessing is my wish for you three gentlemen and know that i love you! we all do!
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
pick a book 01
a selection of fiction and non-fiction ebooks to whet your appetite. pick a book!
At a time when gods and giants roam the earth, Seth is a kingdom in turmoil. King Aikah is dying. The Mikana, vicious descendants of the god-like Zuzim, threaten to attack. Only one of Aikah's sons has the power to rescue Seth from the Mikana. Only one can be the new savior-king.
Voices of the American Irish, from the famine to today
Who exactly are these fraudsters? Why do they do what they do? How are they recruited? How do they operate? From where do they operate? Are they alone? Or do they have godfathers in high places? An unholy link with law enforcement? Are legitimate banking institutions involved? What of the much talked about collusion of organized religion? How dangerous are they? Why are they so successful?
Leona slept for 13 years, and then she woke up with a roar! At first she was happy and confused, but the more she started to understand what was happening to her daughter, the more that happiness and confusion turned into anger. But somewhere along her path she learns about love. Will that be enough to subdue her vengeance? This suspense-thriller-mystery will have you guessing until the end!
Lifelong introvert Quinn Malone was sick of spending her evenings at home, watching reality TV. At 38-year old she embarks on a quest to find a man, using internet dating to get things moving. Through the triumphs and heartbreaks of dating, and of life in general, Quinn uncovers the resilient, dynamic person she’s always been. The question is, has Mr. Right been waiting in the wings all along?
Irish blessing, proverbs and toasts for every occasion
Amos Alonzo Stagg rose from humble beginnings to become the most significant coach in history. He lived to be 102, coached until he was 98 and spent 73 seasons in football. He introduced a plethora of innovations. The biggest names in football said, “All football comes from Stagg.”
Pot pies can be filled with fresh vegetables, poultry, and seafood and topped with any number of dough types including puff pastry, pie crust, biscuit mixes, and instant potatoes. Pot pies can be made using all fresh ingredients or it's a great way to turn leftovers into something delicious. Your friends and family will crown you their favorite chef when they taste your special pot pie.
Shadowland is the story of a doctor who seeks survival, sanity and justice after he is stripped of his right to a small piece of land in Kolkata suburb. Set against the backdrop of a degenerate Marxist regime in Bengal in the nineties, it is a compelling narrative of the doctor’s long battle with the powers-that-be, and a masterly portrait of contemporary India with dollops of authenticity, exotica and humor.
Monday, November 8, 2010
smashwords
over the years, i have amassed a considerable number of books - a collection of which i am very proud of.
until i had my own laptop, i never expected nor dreamed of building an electronic library. the prospect of collecting ebooks was a daunting one.
nothing can definitely replace the feel, weight and smell of a paperback yet i also embrace the science and technology involved behind electronic books.
just like my forays into book stores, i found myself surfing the net looking for ebooks. one website i stumbled upon was Smashwords. here, one can find "new voices in all categories and genres of the written word."
until i had my own laptop, i never expected nor dreamed of building an electronic library. the prospect of collecting ebooks was a daunting one.
nothing can definitely replace the feel, weight and smell of a paperback yet i also embrace the science and technology involved behind electronic books.
just like my forays into book stores, i found myself surfing the net looking for ebooks. one website i stumbled upon was Smashwords. here, one can find "new voices in all categories and genres of the written word."
Fiction
* Adventure
* Anthologies
* Children's Books
* Drama
* Historical
* Horror
* Humor
* Literary
* Mystery and Detective
* Romance
* Sci-Fi and Fantasy
* Thriller and Suspense
* Women's Fiction
* Young Adult
Non-Fiction
* Biography
* Business & Economics
* Entertainment
* Health and Well-being
* Inspiration
* Parenting
* Poetry
* Reference
* Religion
* Self-improvement
* Sports
with a lot of categories to choose from, there is surely one or two or more to satisfy a bibliophile's palate. all it takes is for a user to register with a valid and working email address.
users can read online. ebooks can be easily downloaded and are available in multiple formats - pdf, epub (open industry format), rtf, lrf (Sony Reader), pdb (Palm devices), mobi (Kindle) and plain text.
some ebooks are offered for free. other publishers/resellers normally require a user to supply certain data in order to download a free ebook but at Smashwords, one can avail of it without giving out one's credit card or personal information.
users are encouraged to post comments or reviews about the ebooks they have read or purchased. and if a reader happens to be dreaming about becoming a writer, Smashwords provides a venue for publishing his/her work.
visit Smashwords yourself. i'm pretty positive you'll find something interesting to dip your head and sink your teeth into.
users can read online. ebooks can be easily downloaded and are available in multiple formats - pdf, epub (open industry format), rtf, lrf (Sony Reader), pdb (Palm devices), mobi (Kindle) and plain text.
some ebooks are offered for free. other publishers/resellers normally require a user to supply certain data in order to download a free ebook but at Smashwords, one can avail of it without giving out one's credit card or personal information.
users are encouraged to post comments or reviews about the ebooks they have read or purchased. and if a reader happens to be dreaming about becoming a writer, Smashwords provides a venue for publishing his/her work.
visit Smashwords yourself. i'm pretty positive you'll find something interesting to dip your head and sink your teeth into.
indulge!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
anniversary
it was raining constantly out there but when we went to her gravesite, the weather took a hiatus and my siblings, nephews and i were able to offer flowers, light candles and recite prayers.
traditionally, when the 1st death anniversary of a departed has come, family and friends offer Holy Mass. afterwards, everyone gathers for a feast.
later that afternoon, we assisted at Holy Mass. the dinner feast which followed was not lavish but a simple affair.
memories of that night a year ago when we rushed Mommy to the Emergency Room were constant in my mind. even the weather outside was the same - cold and rainy.
when dinner was over and everyone was settling down for small talk, i happened to glance at the clock which read 9:20 pm - the exact time that Mommy was declared dead at the hospital that fateful night. surprisingly, my heart did not feel so heavy anymore despite the onslaught of memories. i then realized that though i would never ever forgot what happened, i was finally beginning to heal myself of the pain of losing my mother.
This work by justaboutbecool.blogspot.com is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License
Saturday, October 30, 2010
in memoriam
Mommy
March 17, 1941 - October 30, 2009
never more shall i see you in vain
pause beneath the evergreens at twilight seeking solitude
for you have found peace
contented you soar like the gulls
communed with the heavens
f o r e v e r. . .
i wrote this poem for you - Mommy, Daddy, Auntie Fannie, Uncle Boy, Lolo Ange, Lola Doring, Lolo Abay and for all who have gone ahead.
requiescat in pace
This work by justaboutbecool.blogspot.com is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License
Monday, October 25, 2010
angelic notes
i believe in angels. not the dubious new age ones but the angels of old - those inscribed in Sacred Scriptures, upheld by Sacred Tradition and sanctioned by the Catholic Church. i also believe in angel encounters and private revelations - stories told by ordinary men and women whose lives have been touched by the divine.
in spirit form or otherwise, i believe that angels are ever present in our lives and come to our assistance. but what are angels?
they are defined as ministering spirits, divine messengers, spiritual beings or attendants of the Deity or God. they have existed from the beginning of time long before the first man was created. they are not the winged beings clad in white robes we see in Renaissance art or in movies. over the centuries, artists have depicted and interpreted them in various forms.
let's take cherubims as an example. cherubims are one of the three orders of angels closest to God. they were stationed at the east gate of Eden and brandished fiery swords to keep Adam and Eve from returning to Paradise. the Assyrians saw them as winged creatures with either human or lion faces and had the body of an eagle, a bull or a sphinx. this is a far cry from the cuddly and plump cherubims or babies we see painted on temple walls and church murals.
angelology is the study of angels and hierarchies of angels are present in different religious traditions. most of the Christian sources i've come across recognize nine orders of angels.
the nine angelic orders are divided into three heirarchies, each of which are composed of three orders. the highest and closest to God are the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. the second or intermediate hierarchy also consists of three orders of holy angels: the Dominions, Virtues and Powers. in the third or lower hierarchy, we find the three orders of Principalities, Archangels and Angels.
we are more familiar with Archangels and Angels. the former are great heralds of good news. they reveal prophecies, knowledge and understanding of God's will. it was the Archangel Gabriel who revealed to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to the world the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. the Angels - the lowest of all the orders - are those closest to men. they guard us and never leave us despite our wrong doings. their assistance is always available as long as we ourselves desire it.
in spirit form or otherwise, i believe that angels are ever present in our lives and come to our assistance. but what are angels?
they are defined as ministering spirits, divine messengers, spiritual beings or attendants of the Deity or God. they have existed from the beginning of time long before the first man was created. they are not the winged beings clad in white robes we see in Renaissance art or in movies. over the centuries, artists have depicted and interpreted them in various forms.
let's take cherubims as an example. cherubims are one of the three orders of angels closest to God. they were stationed at the east gate of Eden and brandished fiery swords to keep Adam and Eve from returning to Paradise. the Assyrians saw them as winged creatures with either human or lion faces and had the body of an eagle, a bull or a sphinx. this is a far cry from the cuddly and plump cherubims or babies we see painted on temple walls and church murals.
angelology is the study of angels and hierarchies of angels are present in different religious traditions. most of the Christian sources i've come across recognize nine orders of angels.
the nine angelic orders are divided into three heirarchies, each of which are composed of three orders. the highest and closest to God are the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. the second or intermediate hierarchy also consists of three orders of holy angels: the Dominions, Virtues and Powers. in the third or lower hierarchy, we find the three orders of Principalities, Archangels and Angels.
we are more familiar with Archangels and Angels. the former are great heralds of good news. they reveal prophecies, knowledge and understanding of God's will. it was the Archangel Gabriel who revealed to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to the world the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. the Angels - the lowest of all the orders - are those closest to men. they guard us and never leave us despite our wrong doings. their assistance is always available as long as we ourselves desire it.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
mosaic fun
Avatar Mosaic
Cagsawa Ruins with Mayon Volcano
Mosaics were generated using Artensoft Photo Mosaic Wizard
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
b 1 of Uz
a day after my birthday, i decided to check out a link that was emailed to me. i have had that email in my inbox stewing for a couple of weeks already but i didn't find the heart to visit unlimitedzone.org i was already doing well (or so i thought) with the forum i was currently part of so joining another one was not an option. on that momentous day, feeling particularly good and a year older, i finally decided to check out what the link was all about.
i was impressed with the support and courtesy accorded me by the forum's staff and members and i was amazed by how helpful and quick they were in responding to my questions. i immediately felt at home among strangers until i found myself a stranger no more.
the forum offers mobile and pc tutorials, links to ebooks, links to pc and mobile applications, links to music and video files, contests and games, a spiritual lounge, sections on magic, sports, classified ads and more. pornography is not allowed and posting anything close to one would get a member banned. rules are strictly enforced. there is a shoutbox where everyone congregates to chat about anything - from the mundane to the profound. a library of emoticons is available to add color and fun to one's messages or posts.
active members are rewarded for their contributions and loyalty too and some have been elevated to staff status for their good standing and unselfish efforts.
unlimitedzone.org recently celebrated its first anniversary and i had the opportunity to meet the forum's three administrators and one of the moderators during an EB or eyeball. as of this writing, 6,224 members are currently registered and the number is growing each day. according to trafficestimate.com the site has an estimated 86,300 monthly visits, a worldwide rank of 313,021 with 4 external websites linking to it.Filipino and English are the only languages allowed. registration is free and members can upgrade anytime to Elite or VIP by donating a very small and reasonable fee.
to date, i'm enjoying my virtual time with the staff and other members of unlimitedzone.org. in two weeks i would be celebrating three months with the forum and i look forward to having more.
i was impressed with the support and courtesy accorded me by the forum's staff and members and i was amazed by how helpful and quick they were in responding to my questions. i immediately felt at home among strangers until i found myself a stranger no more.
the forum offers mobile and pc tutorials, links to ebooks, links to pc and mobile applications, links to music and video files, contests and games, a spiritual lounge, sections on magic, sports, classified ads and more. pornography is not allowed and posting anything close to one would get a member banned. rules are strictly enforced. there is a shoutbox where everyone congregates to chat about anything - from the mundane to the profound. a library of emoticons is available to add color and fun to one's messages or posts.
active members are rewarded for their contributions and loyalty too and some have been elevated to staff status for their good standing and unselfish efforts.
unlimitedzone.org recently celebrated its first anniversary and i had the opportunity to meet the forum's three administrators and one of the moderators during an EB or eyeball. as of this writing, 6,224 members are currently registered and the number is growing each day. according to trafficestimate.com the site has an estimated 86,300 monthly visits, a worldwide rank of 313,021 with 4 external websites linking to it.Filipino and English are the only languages allowed. registration is free and members can upgrade anytime to Elite or VIP by donating a very small and reasonable fee.
to date, i'm enjoying my virtual time with the staff and other members of unlimitedzone.org. in two weeks i would be celebrating three months with the forum and i look forward to having more.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Josefina
one of the strongest and most admirable women i had the blessed privilege of knowing was Josefina. to her parents and siblings, she was Phina. to her peers, she was Josie. to her children and grandchildren, she was their Mommy and Mama respectively.
Josefina was the eldest of ten children. she started working when she was eighteen to help her parents support a big and growing family. she studied shorthand and stenography and graduated top of her class. her secretarial skills landed her a job with the government where she stayed till she retired at the age of 65. she met Bernardo in the same office where she worked. their friendship blossomed into love and they got married. her first born son was miscarried but she was blessed afterwards with three more children - two boys and a girl.
she loved to read, crochet and cook for her family. she even attended a cooking/baking class just so she could learn new recipes. some of the other things she loved doing were shopping with her children, going to Church, strolling at the mall and looking for bargain books. as she transcribed her steno notes every night, her children were lulled to sleep by the sound of her typewriter keys - tak tak tak tak zing...tak tak tak zing...
she was raised a Catholic and was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, always keeping a Rosary with her nearby. one of her dreams was to go to Mexico with her eldest son to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
she was not perfect and had her weaknesses but she was a devoted wife to her husband and a gentle and loving mother to her children. when her kids had school projects, she always helped them out - sometimes doing the project herself. she rarely had arguments or fights with her husband and if there were, it was often very brief and petty. she was truly blessed that her husband was gentle to her and never raised a fist. when her husband died, she remained strong for herself and her children and grandchildren.
when her two sons relocated to another city to work, she would always make it a point to visit them regularly especially on their birthdays. traveling almost 12 hours by bus, she didn't mind the long trip just so she could be with them. she would always arrive early in the morning and immediately rush to her sons' rooms and plant a kiss while greeting them a happy birthday.
one of her wishes which she often said to me was to live a long full life so that she could continue to serve her children and grandchildren.
this was not to be...in February 2009 her eldest son took her to the hospital for an examination after she woke up one day to find her sheets wet with blood. the doctor recommended immediate hysterectomy. her son wept when they left the hospital. he was very close to his mom and was afraid for her. his prayer was should God call his mother home that he be given the chance to take care of her and be with her till her last breathe.
she underwent surgery in March of the same year. the biopsy result was stage 1-A endometrial cancer. with early detection and proper treatment, the 5-year survival rate was 90% for those who had her condition so there was no real cause for alarm. what people overlooked was the 10% chance of survival...
6 months later, she was again brought to the hospital for a check-up. her doctor found a new growth. she had to undergo chemotherapy to arrest the cancer. the cancer was so aggressive that ten days after her treatment, she succumbed. her eldest son was with her all throughout these trying times. his prayer was answered.
she will never get to go on a pilgrimage to Mexico or have her desire of serving her family. she will never get to visit her children on their birthdays again and greet them with a hug and kiss as they wake up. she will never ever get to do the things she want or see her dreams for her children and grandchildren fulfilled.
she is now at rest - no more cancer, no more pain, no more worries, no more problems to disturb her sleeping and waking hours. her family truly misses her.
i miss her too. i miss her very very much. we would never get to talk again or go shopping or attend Church services and do stuff together...
i thank God that i got to know her - for Josefina was my ever dearest mother and i am her eldest son.
Josefina was the eldest of ten children. she started working when she was eighteen to help her parents support a big and growing family. she studied shorthand and stenography and graduated top of her class. her secretarial skills landed her a job with the government where she stayed till she retired at the age of 65. she met Bernardo in the same office where she worked. their friendship blossomed into love and they got married. her first born son was miscarried but she was blessed afterwards with three more children - two boys and a girl.
she loved to read, crochet and cook for her family. she even attended a cooking/baking class just so she could learn new recipes. some of the other things she loved doing were shopping with her children, going to Church, strolling at the mall and looking for bargain books. as she transcribed her steno notes every night, her children were lulled to sleep by the sound of her typewriter keys - tak tak tak tak zing...tak tak tak zing...
she was raised a Catholic and was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, always keeping a Rosary with her nearby. one of her dreams was to go to Mexico with her eldest son to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
she was not perfect and had her weaknesses but she was a devoted wife to her husband and a gentle and loving mother to her children. when her kids had school projects, she always helped them out - sometimes doing the project herself. she rarely had arguments or fights with her husband and if there were, it was often very brief and petty. she was truly blessed that her husband was gentle to her and never raised a fist. when her husband died, she remained strong for herself and her children and grandchildren.
when her two sons relocated to another city to work, she would always make it a point to visit them regularly especially on their birthdays. traveling almost 12 hours by bus, she didn't mind the long trip just so she could be with them. she would always arrive early in the morning and immediately rush to her sons' rooms and plant a kiss while greeting them a happy birthday.
one of her wishes which she often said to me was to live a long full life so that she could continue to serve her children and grandchildren.
this was not to be...in February 2009 her eldest son took her to the hospital for an examination after she woke up one day to find her sheets wet with blood. the doctor recommended immediate hysterectomy. her son wept when they left the hospital. he was very close to his mom and was afraid for her. his prayer was should God call his mother home that he be given the chance to take care of her and be with her till her last breathe.
she underwent surgery in March of the same year. the biopsy result was stage 1-A endometrial cancer. with early detection and proper treatment, the 5-year survival rate was 90% for those who had her condition so there was no real cause for alarm. what people overlooked was the 10% chance of survival...
6 months later, she was again brought to the hospital for a check-up. her doctor found a new growth. she had to undergo chemotherapy to arrest the cancer. the cancer was so aggressive that ten days after her treatment, she succumbed. her eldest son was with her all throughout these trying times. his prayer was answered.
she will never get to go on a pilgrimage to Mexico or have her desire of serving her family. she will never get to visit her children on their birthdays again and greet them with a hug and kiss as they wake up. she will never ever get to do the things she want or see her dreams for her children and grandchildren fulfilled.
she is now at rest - no more cancer, no more pain, no more worries, no more problems to disturb her sleeping and waking hours. her family truly misses her.
i miss her too. i miss her very very much. we would never get to talk again or go shopping or attend Church services and do stuff together...
i thank God that i got to know her - for Josefina was my ever dearest mother and i am her eldest son.
i love her and i always will.
This work by justaboutbecool.blogspot.com is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License
first blog
so what does one blog about i found myself wondering once i decided to have my own blogspot. i did a little research and was overwhelmed - not with the information - but with the endless possibilities. this little corner of the web would then be just about becool©- thoughts, reflections, anecdotes and observations about my wanderings in the virtual and real worlds i inhabit. welcome.
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