Hi Hive Fam and Friends! How's your weekend? I hope you are all feeling good as we face a new day of our lives. I'll be sharing today my simple birthday celebration last weekend with my mom and siblings.
It's been a long time since I have celebrated my birthday with my mom and siblings. I guess it's 7 years or beyond already. I have shared on my introduction post here on Hive that my parents got separated. That even my mom was not able to attend my wedding day because of their conflict with my dad. I missed our family being complete. Celebrating the gift of life together with them is a dream come true after so many years.
Last month, my only sister told me that they planned to visit me in Tabogon on my birthday. I told them that I would be glad if they could visit us, especially on that special occasion. A week before my birthday, my sister and I chatted and explained her our current situation. That we had encountered a lot of challenges lately and that we are still trying to rise from beneath. I kept this problem and never shared it with them since I don't want them to become bothered.
After she knew it, she told me not to spend any on my birthday. She assured that they would bring ingredients for me to cook and that my mom would be coming too, together with my other siblings. I felt ashamed of myself because I have been helping others, yet I was not able to do it with my own dad, mom, and siblings. My mom then called and asked me why I kept it and never told them anything. My tears fell while telling her, "I don't want to bother you and be a part of the burden you have."
My mom said that I am not a burden and she is willing to do everything to help. She promised to come and celebrate with me the day she delivered me here on earth. I thanked God for everything. Having the assurance that they will support and help whatever plan we have for this year made me feel at ease. The feeling of being exhausted at least changed into joy somehow.
My sister arrived the day before my birthday. She was with her partner, who brought groceries and bought food for our dinner. We grilled a fish and cooked some dried fish for our dinner. After eating, I prepared the meat, carrots, potatoes, and spices to be used to for the lumpia. I also cooked the tapioca and made a mango tapioca dessert. My wife and my sister helped in making the lumpia, which we will cook for the next day.
On the day of my birthday, I marinated the whole chicken, which I roasted using the air fryer. After a few minutes, my mom and my youngest brother arrived. My mom gave me a gift and some money to buy meat at the market. I then asked my wife to accompany me in going to the market. We bought the other things we need for our lunch. We head back to our home, and I prepare the ingredients for pancit, and I roast the whole chicken, which I marinated for an hour.
My sister helped in cooking the lumpia, and I asked her to monitor the pork adobo or humba since I was cooking pancit outside the house. I cooked it using firewood and not the gas burner. I was not able to take photos of our table with the food. I was busy talking to my mom and my former working scholars. Jaia, Engelie, and Evy never forget to celebrate my birthday. They came with 2 boxes of pizza that made Yoye and Jehoia happier.
I felt so much joy on this day. I had a lot of thoughts on how should I return the goodness they brought to us, my wife and the kids. I became more eager to continue our plan for this year. Hoping that it would align to the perfect plan of God for us. My elder brother arrived before 3 o'clock in the afternoon. He went straight to Tabogon from work with her partner and in-laws. There is only one brother who was not able to come because of his service to the church as a musician.
Before they went back home, I asked for a photo opportunity. While taking the pictures, my dad called me and asked how my birthday was. He sent me some money as a gift, and it made my day even happier. He was not able to come, but at least he did not fail to show his love and concern for me and my family. Though they are no longer together with my mom, at least I have felt the same feeling before. They are always there for me and will never abandon me.
I gave to my mom the Bluetooth speaker that I cared for for almost 4 years and our extra television since theirs was damaged already. I accompanied them while waiting for the bus going to the city. My mom and sister gave the assurance that they will keep in touch and help us to move forward each day. This was one of the most memorable moments of my life. I will cherish it from now on and onwards. I hope we can gather together again and hopefully we'll be complete.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog. Till next time. 🫶
Photos are all mine, unless stated otherwise.