There are only a few things that make me happy - my family, black coffee, old books, camping, star gazing, rain, and photography. -
People call me boring now compared to what they have known me before. Probably because I became the introvert type they didn't expect me to become. And the turning point was me not finishing the board exam. Yes, I literally did not finish the exam! The thought of leaving the exam room haunted me for several months. My parents stayed silent about me failing. And I know they were waiting for my explanation every single day. But I didn't give them a word. A lot of things had happened and a lot of unspoken words had struck my heart a dozen times. I was too bruised to be my old self again. I am too hurt for not meeting my parents' expectations.
Then I became a mother. The most beautiful gift was given to me. It took me awhile to accept the overwhelming gratitude I felt. I just could not believe how God sees me. How could He see a mother in me when in fact I failed in life many times?
"God and His mysterious ways are always so surprising."
After giving birth, I stayed at home for several months and stayed away from all of my social media accounts. The healing process was a long battle that changed me into a new person, a different person that I almost can't recognize. However, with the help of my family, friends, colleagues, and coffee, I was able to move forward every single day making each day count. Slowly, I found my way back to the track - I and my husband saved our marriage and I jump-started my career as an engineer and as a blogger while continuing to be the most efficient mother I can be.
Marriage is more of a long ride on a rough road than a stroll on a flowery garden. Many times you will rethink your decisions and several instances you will doubt your own heart. But just give it a rest. Differences and clashes are normal because the person you married was a stranger until you two met.
While we’re at it, let’s talk some more about life while I take all of you with me to one of my favorite weekend getaway! Come on, let’s brew some beans and connect with the nature at the campsite of Mt. Manunggal, Balamban, Cebu, Philippines!
I and my other half decided to take it slow and let ourselves be familiarized with each other again. We gave each other the second chance at knowing and understanding all the idiosyncrasies we never got to fully accept. So we started at one thing that we both can agree - brewing some black coffee.
He'd make me some hot and strong coffee while I prepare something sweet. It went on just like that until he asked me if he can take me to camping. My heart giggled as I stuttered on giving him my positive response. I am so glad to see how much he wanted to save our marriage. So we packed a few stuff and immediately took off to a wonderful afternoon ride.
We arrived at the campsite just after the sun had set and the fog had started to come down. Mt. Manunggal is where the crash site of the late President Ramon Magsaysay. Although we just decided to put up the tent just a few meters away from the entrance of the campsite, it was still a little spooky as the cold breeze touched my nape.
The night was long as we took turns in taking night shots while talking about the things we want each other to forgive. We became too focused on our conversation that we didn’t notice we had already fallen asleep.
I woke up in the next morning to the scent of the dark roasted arabica beans as my husband was grinding some in the preparation for our morning coffee routine. It was the beans he bought for me in which he thinks truly suit my tastebuds. Well he’s right, it truly does. The strong aroma, the sweet aftertaste of a dark roast, and the punch of alertness these beans bring can turn my blues into a glow!
That very scent together with the misty morning brought some nostalgia in my sleepy head. I gazed at my husband passionately making coffee as I rubbed my eyes trying to fully wake myself up. But the rustling sound from the leaves and the birds chirping were all music to my ears telling me to go back to slumber. It was indeed a beautiful morning!
Everything that I smelled, saw, and listened to in that morning reminded me of my late grandma. She used to emphasize how appreciation can improve the quality of one’s life. So I got my camera, and took some photos of my husband as I want to always remember his efforts.
I can’t let his efforts go to waste. Restoring what had been broken is not up to one person only. We had our fair share of mistakes so we should both try to do our best to save our marriage.
Coffee and marriage are alike! The more I think about it the more I get convinced that it really is.
You choose the bean (person) you like with the intentions of making coffee (a family) in your mind. You prepare the water (yourself) prior to brewing (marriage). Then you brew (get married).
Coffee can be as bitter as marriage that is why coffee and marriage are not for everyone. Some may like tea and some may like wine. Just like how some people enjoy being single and some just mingle. But whatever it is that you choose, it’s important that you are happy about the choice you have made!
Enjoy the drink you wish to drink!
Nikka Mededa, the author
I am an engineer, a mother, an aspiring photographer, and also a blogger. A workaholic mom who found its comfort through brewing coffee and making home-cooked meals. I write and read a lot but I think I collect books even more. And there’s nothing more fulfilling than finally ticking off the books my reading list. Hopefully, one day!
I really love to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming an author and so here I am, in my little corner in the blockchain. I hope you had a good read and check out more here ---> 