Hello dear Hivers,
When we returned to Naga, we were already traveling with our mother because at that time she needed to come to Cebu for a medical check-up. She was also scheduled for operation to remove her kidney stone. According to our sister, Mama had been feeling low and anxious for several days. She was scared of the idea of being operated on, and with Christmas fast approaching, her heart felt even heavier. The thought of spending the holiday season worrying about an operation made everything more difficult for her emotionally.
Later that afternoon, after they completed all the needed tests and consultations, the results finally came out. And praise God—what a miracle! Her kidney stone had significantly reduced in size, from 6.3 cm down to only 0.8. We were all amazed at how God works in mysterious, wonderful ways. When Mama heard the news, her face immediately lit up. You could clearly see the relief and joy washing over her. For the first time in days, she looked genuinely calm and happy. With that, they were scheduled to head back to the province the next morning.
Since everything turned out well, we decided to make the most of the evening and go out for a little family stroll in Naga. It was perfect timing because the Christmas lights and holiday decorations had just officially been opened to the public.
Naga was incredibly lively that night—the entire boardwalk and plaza were glowing with bright, colorful lights. Everywhere you looked, there were sparkling Christmas displays, light tunnels, and trees wrapped in shimmering decorations. The place was full of people happily walking around, taking photos, and enjoying the start of the festive season. You could feel the excitement in the air. And as if the night couldn’t get any better, there happened to be a “Concert at the Park” scheduled that evening.
Before heading to the concert area, we decided to grab something to eat because we were all starving. Food wasn’t a problem at all since Naga has plenty of stalls and small eateries around the plaza. No matter how many visitors come, everyone is still accommodated. We chose a spot near the plaza where they served hot fish tinola, different kinds of seafood like lukot, and grilled bangus. The aroma alone made us even hungrier. Sitting there, enjoying freshly cooked food, felt comforting—especially after such an emotional day.
We also bought drinks from another store nearby. We purposely went to our suki because their juices are always delicious and refreshing, and of course, worth the price. It has become a small habit to buy from them whenever we’re in the area.
After eating, we took our time walking around and admiring the various Christmas trees displayed throughout the place. They were huge, beautifully designed, and truly impressive. Each tree had its own style—some covered in gold ornaments, others sparkling with multicolored lights. You couldn’t help but feel amazed. Mama especially loved them; it was heartwarming to see her smile, taking pictures and enjoying the moment after all the stress she’d been through.
Once we finished taking photos, we headed straight to the park to watch the concert. The performers were energetic, the music lively, and the crowd full of enthusiasm. It felt like the perfect way to welcome the holiday season—surrounded by family, lights, music, and the cool December breeze.
After some time, we decided to head home because Mama was already getting tired, and she needed to rest early. They had to travel back to the province the next morning, so we didn’t want to keep her out too late.
Despite being a simple outing, it turned into a meaningful and memorable night—one filled with gratitude, relief, joy, and the warmth of family. It reminded us how powerful God’s miracles can be, and how even the smallest celebrations become special when you are with the people you love.
Thank you for taking the time to read and see you on my next blog.
