Pieces of me

Its spring break again and like most mothers I enjoy this calm week, even if my boys are so focused with their laptops and can’t talk to them that much, I’m okay. I don’t blame the boys when they laughed-it-off as I told them I am more relaxed when they are at home, with me, than when they are at school or someplace else. They wouldn’t understand. It is a feeling only parents, particularly mothers, experience.

If you have children, pieces of you are scattered. Your heart and mind are divided equally to each child and parts go with them wherever they might be. Like pieces of me attends Middle School while some goes to High School. Wherever my boys are, they bring parts of me with them. My heart and mind comes to wholeness only when they are back, with me.

That’s why I like this spring break, short as it is, it anchored me. I’m whole, even if temporary. Until they find their own homes in the future which I hope not sooner :-)

the promises we made

How time flies…it seemed only yesterday when our kids are taking their first communion. Now both are teenagers and the eldest will soon receive the sacrament of confirmation. Two years in the religious education program, Abraham developed friendship with his fellow students and enjoyed serving in hospitality on Sundays at Church. Last week, he attended a 3-day retreat up in Pali Mountains in preparation for his confirmation; we wrote him this letter…

March 5, 2010

Dear Abraham,

Sixteen years ago, you were born to us on Christmas Day. From then on, we have always been thankful to God for your love, care, and your wisdom as a child.

You were baptized as a baby and have no understanding of the sacrament you received. This time, as you prepare to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, we pray that God’s love be present in your heart and mind to strengthen you as you move towards life.

Now, you have the capacity to understand that upon your confirmation, you will make your own promises before God about living as a Christian. Nobody’s perfect, but still try, to the best you can do, to be a good follower of Jesus Christ, and a good model of Christian faith in everything you do and in every decision you make.

May God Bless you and grant you enlightenment on your retreat.


Loving you always,

Daddy, Mommy, and Lemuel

In the spirit of lent, why not recall our own commitments and promises to God. Let’s walk towards the path to conversion.

This is indeed the time for fruitful sadness, for us to grieve
over the condition of our mortality, over temptations sweeping over us, sins
creeping up on us, greed of all sorts lining up against us, lusts always
quarreling and agitating against good thoughts; these are the things we should
be sad about.--Sermon 254, 4