Family gatherings are always special, especially when everyone comes home after being apart for weeks or even months. This is my husband’s family side, and we have a tradition of having a monthly dinner whenever each one of is around. Since most of them have their own jobs and families, it’s not easy to find a time when everyone can gather together, but when we do, its always worth it.
Last weekend, it was extra special because it was the birthday of my husband’s eldest sister, Ate Diana. She’s the kind of person who’s always there when you need her, or one call away. Whenever we have something important to attend, she’s the one who look after our child. I’m also close to my other sister-in-law, and I’m thankful that we all help and support one another in our won ways.
For this dinner, I prepared valenciana, chopsuey and pancit. The vegetables I used were freshly picked from our own farm. Which made the dishes even more special. We all gathered around the table, shared stories, laughed and enjoyed the food together. Seeing everyone happy, especially my mother-in-law and father-in-law, made me realize that these simple moments are the ones that truly matter. They love seeing all their children and grandchildren eating together, it brings the so much joy.
Of course, lie any other family, we also experience small misunderstanding. Sometimes there are mis understanding between siblings or differences in opinions. But for me, I choose not to get involved whenever my husband and his siblings have little disagreements. I respect that each of the, has their own personality, and we all grew up with different values and experiences. Maybe it’s also because I’m too busy with life and work that I don’t give too much time to those situations.
But that’s how family is, imperfect, yet full of love. No matter how many small misunderstandings happen, in the end, we always reconcile. We still choose to sit down together, share a meal, and laugh like nothing happened.
At the end of the day, family is not about being perfect. It’s about showing up, forgiving and appreciating the time we have together. Because these moments remind us that home is not a place, it’s the people who love us despite our flaws. 🏠
Thank you for reading my story and this is my own picture edited in Canva. I appreciate your support and I hope this simple story reminds you to treasure your own family moments too. No matter how buys life gets, may we always find time to gather, eat, laugh and create memories with the people who matter most. 💛