HOME is where the LOVE is -Celebrating Special Occasions with FAMILY

So happy to be home!

Despite financial struggles, I decided 2-3 months ago that I wanted to celebrate with my mom on her 80th birthday.

With chronic health isuues, she has become frail for the last 2-3 years and since we visited from our 7th year abroad, I decided that we will visit my parents every year.

Our last visit was only last New Year extending to 2 weeks , thus we were back on January 19th of this year only.

LOVE for FAMILY comes FIRST

With some home renovations last summer and more plans on hand, I was planning to visit again next summer 2019, but of course, LOVE for parents come first.

Amidst ongoing expenses and payables, I took the leap and asked from work if I could take 3 weeks off in December plus our employer's holiday break, so eventually, I was able to purchase plane tickets for me and my son, with only 1 ticket to be paid from savings and the other one by credit card.

I know in my heart, money is there, we can replace it with our salaries, we can pay our debts because we have stable jobs, so here we go!

For me, FAMILY and PARENTS come first after GOD, because without them, we are nothing.

CHRONIC HEALTH CONCERNS

My mom is 80 and my Dad is 88 and both are becoming frail each day because both have long time health issues. I know, I can't control anything. They have maintenace medications, but they can only heal for some time.

TIME with them is my PRIORITY nowadays. I can see that both of them are so happy to see us. Lately, they have been depressed because of health issues, but with family around, I see my Mom, laughing again.

I'm still waiting for my DAD to be himself as before - strong and active, with that commanding presence. It's the first time that I see him so weak, not that conversant, with poor appetite, and just so submissive.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION and CHRISTMAS

We are celebrating my mom's birthday on Saturday, December 8th, and since we are here already, I decided to stay for CHRISTMAS to add to the family's joy.

Why not?

It has been 10 years since we spent Christmas with our family. The small town ambience of Christmas is all around!

Last night, I heard kids singing Christmas carols at our door and it feels so good to hear them sing, and feel their joy after I gave them a few coins. Kids are so easy to please!

HAPPY TO BE HOME

Overjoyed is an understatement of what I feel now! I feel so blessed, so serene, so hopeful and so thankful.

Celebrating my mom's 80th birthday, seeing family and friends, spending Christmas with loved ones, what more can I ask for?

Hope everyone celebrates with JOY and PEACE Jesus' birthday.

Happy Christmas !

Finally, I'm home for Christmas.