Hey there, folks! I'm still buzzing from an unexpected and super touching surprise that happened during this year's Thanksgiving. See, my brother in California, where they celebrate Thanksgiving big time, wanted us to join in on the celebration. But we're in the Philippines, and we don't really do Thanksgiving here.

I thought it was just gonna be a virtual celebration, you know, a video call, some good food, and chats. But boy, was I wrong!

So, my son, who's currently working in Japan made this big gesture. He surprised me by sending something really unique – a tricycle! Yep, you read that right, a tricycle. But not the kind you might think of at first. In the Philippines, tricycles are a big deal. They are our mini taxis, our go-to rides around town. They are motorcycles with a sidecar, just like the ones you see zooming through our streets. It’s our everyday transport and I already have an idea what to do with it.

For my son, it wasn't just a gift; it was a piece of home. It reminded us of our shared memories, the bustling streets, and the feeling of community in the Philippines. It was his way of saying, "Hey, even though I'm far away, I'm still connected to our culture and our family."

Thanksgiving became more than just a holiday for us this year. It was this incredible moment where a simple, practical gift like a tricycle brought us closer, despite the miles between us. It's moments like these that make you truly feel the warmth of family and the richness of our Filipino culture. I feel really happy and thankful for this unexpected gift.

Much love,

Ally