New Year Reflections

     I can't recall whether or not I've ever done a New Year reflections post but given that I haven't been posting much, I thought I would look take a moment or two and look back at 2021. Plus, yesterday's church sermon was titled "Back and Forward" which compelled me to stop and reflect:

• The year started out on a somber note with the passing of my aunt.
• A380 had a nice birthday at home. Shortly thereafter, The Principal celebrated a milestone birthday without all the fanfare since we in another shut down.
• Little Toughie performed in an original musical via online streaming.
• Things opened back up and we were able to celebrate Little Toughie's birthday at the same place we did in 2020, right before THE FIRST LOCKDOWN.
• Also, The Principal scored his first win in the Birthday Mac 'n Cheese Battle. Darn it. Just kidding.
• With things still open we dined at one of our favorite steak restaurants. I'm only there for the chocolate cake, which they DIDN'T HAVE that day. Doh!
• We took a trip to Disney World. Little Toughie brought a friend. We can't wait to go back.
• I got my annual Mother's Day Ravioli, made once again by Little Toughie. I enjoyed every bite!
• For Father's Day we went back to the same steak restaurant mentioned above. Still no chocolate cake.
• A380 graduated from high school! My first homeschool graduate.
• We enjoyed brunch with out of town family.
• Our church held a Family Cookout. There was a corn hole tournament. We lost. (But had a blast!)
• Haircuts! I don't know how long it had been since our last cut, but Little Toughie and I were so happy to finally have our go-to guy up and running, err, cutting.
• We took a long overdue trip to see our family. AND to look for a new home. (Yeah, we're moving).
• Little Toughie was baptized. Praise the Lord!
• We took a day trip downtown. We're checking things off of our "Before We Move" list. One down, fifty or so to go.
• We laid my grandfather to rest. I miss him.
• Thanksgiving was just the four of us. Simple, quiet and delicious.
• I authored my second novel participating in NaNoWriMo. Revising will commence next month.
• We learned my mom has cancer. A blow to what was left of the shattered pieces of my heart that were dangling after the loss of my grandfather (her dad). I am barely functioning, but by the grace of God, the power of Jesus and the prayers our church family and friends. Thank you.
• We went to Disneyland. Check. Two down.
• Candlelight Christmas Eve service at our church. In person, finally. Yay. Such a wonderful way to celebrate the One who gave it all!
• Happy New Year!

     I'm astounded by how blessed I am...how blessed we are, not just the material stuff, but that God sacrificed His one and only Son for someone as mediocre as me. I am in awe of God's presence in the midst of all of it...hills and valleys. I am so, so grateful to Him who deserves all the glory. So, I end this with praise and song for Him.

God be gracious to us and bless us,

And cause His face to shine upon us— Selah

That Your way may be known on the earth,

Your salvation among all nations.

May the peoples praise You, God;

May all the peoples praise You.

Psalm 67:1-3

 

Year 9, Week 9: No Guilt in Life, No Fear in Death

Day 1:  I'm writing this the evening of my grandfather's death.  It's how I process things.  But how do I process this loss?  I have no idea.  So, I'm just writing.  This morning when I got the call that they were trying to revive him I was in the middle of a history lesson with Little Toughie.  I got off the phone, trembling and with tears rolling down my cheeks.  We stopped and prayed.  I begged God to spare him, to heal him, to give us all a little more time.  I could feel God's presence and peace.  I heard Him say, "My will."  I responded with, "I know."

     And while I held out hope that my grandfather would be okay, I knew he was being called Home.  Still when the call confirming that he had passed came in I felt my heart crumble into pieces.  The news was devastating.  My daughter was with me when I got the call and she immediately wrapped her arms around me.

 Day 2:  God is funny.  I say that not as if He's a prankster but because when He speaks to me it's surprising and it's not; because He answers me even when I don't always ask. It's the day after my grandfather passed that I'm continuing to write this.  I couldn't write anymore last night because the tears would well up and obscure my view of the screen.  Earlier today I was trying to think of a scripture verse that would best describe my grandfather.  All day I thought of how giving he was.  How he led his family with a gentle kindness.  How much he thought of others.

     Then evening came and our church group was meeting.  I almost passed on it because my eyes were red and puffy, plus they hurt.  I decided to at least hop on to help my husband with the technical stuff since we meet both online and in person.  We also had a new person joining us and I wanted to be there to welcome her.  Then our study opened with this scripture:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 
-Philippians 2:3-4 

     Upon hearing my husband read that to the group my heart stirred and I knew that was the scripture I was seeking.  God put it right in front of me when I needed it.  That is how my grandpa served others.

Day 3:  My memory fails me a lot these days.  It really does come with getting older!  I've tried to pinpoint certain memories of my grandpa but I can't cling to any particular one.  I remember doing the cha-cha with him only having my mom take my place because I wasn't good at all the fancy turns and footwork.  I remember him dominating the dance floor, one hand in the air and the other hovering over his belt buckle as he boogied to the music.  As I reflect upon his life I also remember his love of cooking...his Kaldereta was my favorite.  Our most recent conversation involved talking about food!

     Of all the memories I've tried to recall, this one remains:  I had the blessed opportunity to live with my grandparents at a time I didn't think I needed to.  Looking back now I'm so, so thankful that I did.  I was an immature young adult seeking independence but unknowingly still needing nurturing. They took me in, cared for and provided for me in the midst of me trying to figure out my life and my priorities.  My grandpa never questioned my actions, only occasionally in his firm but loving way reminded me to, "Be careful."

     When I moved miles away and spoke with him over the phone, he didn't ask, "How are you doing?"  He asked, "Are you okay?" I think he knew the weight of everything that was happening to me at that time.  And every time he greeted me on the phone I looked forward to hearing him say, "Hi BEBE."  Not bay-bee, but beh-beh in his Filipino and very slightly hoarse voice.  I loved, loved, loved that.  He didn't waste his words.  Everything he said or asked had meaning, was communicated with purpose.  I rarely saw my grandfather angry or frustrated.  If he was it was likely because of something major and not of life's constant trivialities.  It was my grandfather's love, patience and the way he respected and doted over my grandmother that made me change my mind about marriage.  They've been married for sixty-six years.

     I will miss his hugs, his voice, his laughter and his, "I love yous".  His love and legacy will live on in our family members, his friends, in our stories and in our hearts.  Beyond all this I know that he professed Jesus as his Savior and because of that I will see him in our Lord's kingdom and my grandpa will greet me with, 'Hi behbeh."

If you are moved to contribute to my grandfather's memorial fund you can do so here.

My family and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Year 9: Let's Get it Started!

      That title is a bit of a fib since we already started and it's been six weeks.  We actually just had our first break which is why I'm able to sit and write this post.  However, it is on the very last day of our week off and a couple of hours before I plan on going to sleep.  Apparently, when it comes to blogging I like to live on the edge!  Oh, well.  Better late than never.

     What can I tell you about the last few weeks?  I can tell you that it's been full.  Little Toughie has had long days that are forcing her to manage her time better.  She has a schedule, in preparation for high school and since I'm not teaching A380 anymore, her studies are a bit tougher because I can give her even more of my time.

     She's handling it like a champ though!  She still does her chores and helps around the house.  At times I'll catch her taking a nap in the afternoon after her science lessons because, let's be honest, sometimes science can be draining.

     Normally, this is where I'd post of picture of said student napping on the floor but I'm not allowed to do that and I don't want to be a bad mom.  Instead I will leave you with a picture of the tree in front of our home that I took over the course of the past year:

     I love seeing the change of seasons through this tree.  The leaves are just starting to trickle down on the the grass but come next month we'll be able the hear crunching on the ground as neighbors walk past our front yard.  It's like a built in alarm of sorts!

     That's all I have for now since my bedtime is approaching and my brain is craving quiet reading time.  Next time I'll share a bit about what we've chosen curriculum wise for this school year and fill you in on what A380 is up to.  Good night!