Stormy Days Almost Done

03.10.2009

Wow! It's been forever since I found a muse to inspire me to write. I've been hit by the phenom called Facebook. I just haven't enjoyed it as much as other people have though. Maybe I just don't have that much to say. Oh well…

So, for the past 2 weeks I have been running on prayers and pure adrenaline. My sister Joy finally had her open heart surgery and I am happy to report that it was a resounding success. We owe her life to God and Dr. Rommel Cariño and his team of outstanding surgeons. He really deserves his moniker of Miracle Doctor. He really is. And he is a nice person too. Totally down to earth and personable. The whole family pray that he will continue to be blessed and help more people. The world is a better place with him in it. Thanks Doc!

Here are some pics when we were in PHC.

Me and Sister Joy

Faith and Joy showing off the battle scars

Papa and Mama... very happy it's almost over

Our devoted Mom... the best ever!

On my sister’s day of discharge from Phil Heart Center, Ondoy hit the city with a vengeance. My other sister Faith just moved in to their new house around 3 months ago and guess where it is? Uhuh, Cainta. So that Saturday will forever be etched in our memory. It was the very first time that we experienced that inside the house. Water was up to the shoulders and everything… as in everything was floating and wet. We weren’t able to discharge my sis Joy too. We couldn’t leave the hospital with her. Although my brother-in-law (who I fondly call Papa) and I did go home to Pasig that night to check on the kids. I’ll never forget how The Floodway looked like when I saw it. Videos of white water rapid rafting was running through my head. The current was that strong. The bridge was shaking. Totally awesome and scary at the same time. Thanks goodness it didn’t break. We would have been flooded in Pasig too if that happened. My brother in Paranaque was not spared too. Water was almost to the roof. Although it did subside quicker than in other places. Good thing nobody was hurt. We were all wet, but safe. Thank God for miracles.

With all of these challenges happening in our lives, I just have to say that this is also a time for giving thanks. So allow me this very cheesy but heartfelt entry.

Thank you to the folks who attended the benefit concert for my sister. Thanks to Kuya Mike for helping organize the successful event. Thank you to Kuya Jarius for helping us get aide from senators and congressmen and women. Thank you to my friend Carlos who helped us get the much needed medical aide from PCSO. Thanks to the Lopez Group for giving assistance to my other sister when they needed it during Ondoy. Thanks to our friends who were our sounding board, our drinking buddies and shoulders to cry on during these trying time. And lastly thank you God for giving me the greatest family who all stood by each other, weathered the storms literally and figuratively, and supported each other emotionally and spiritually through all these. I feel so blessed to be counted as one of them.

Now the country is waiting for Pepeng. Last I heard the storm has diverted in it’s path and we’ll not be hit as badly as Ondoy. I hope so. People are still reeling from Ondoy and still trying to make head and tails of all the commotion. The last thing we need is another storm. I think the only good thing I can say about all of these is the amount of uncommon heroes we have been hearing about on the news. Celebrities and common folks have all done their part to contribute to the rescue and relief efforts. It warms the heart to be a Filipino right now. Let’s hope this warm gooey feeling continues.

On a lighter note, I am giving myself some “me” time during this wet and windy Saturday. Went to the new SM Center on our block to check it out and promptly rode another bus to go back to the comforts of SM Southmall. Hahaha! Had to buy a gift for my fave nephew’s birthday. (I can feel Moncy’s glare behind me while writing this. Running through his head: “Why not me?”) Had my first experience with the GCASH thing too. I discovered ebooks through ebay and Via has been helping me in ordering and all. I am now the proud owner of all my guilty pleasures in electronic form. I love technology. Although I miss the smell of books. But I will also soon be a proud owner of the Kindle DX. My sister’s sister-in-law loves me and will buy me one for Christmas. (Channeling Ate Glenda: MUST BUY CHA KINDLE)

Hi Santa... 2 more months to go...