God, Happiness and Life

Today is my Father's 15th Death Anniversary. He died from a cataract operation because, as we suspected he had overdosed on anesthesia. Cataract is supposed to be a simple, uncomplicated operation.  In fact earlier that month, his right eye was operated first. Able to regain his sight on his right eye,  he was too excited to get the left eye immediately operated on. He was too happy, he said the first one was a breeze. No one saw it coming. I was too shocked when I got that late morning call from my cousin who was with him at the hospital. They were buddies, this cousin and , my father, so it was very okey that he was the one who accompanied him  during the operation. Early that day, I was expecting an important call from my Singaporean principal. My plan was right after that call, I would immediately proceed to the hospital. But it became too late.. he was in comma right after he got out of the operating room. The doctors were unable to give us an acceptable answer. ...

This is what I call our picture wall. The wall bears most of my families memories in photos saved from  Ondoy. After that devastation I just refused to cower and accept that the things I love most will be gone forever.. and so began the process of recovering the photos.. it took almost six months to completely dry them.. bringing them out when there was some sun and bringing them in when there were rainshowers. And so here on this wall you can find my childrens pictures when they were truly very young.. and today, when I am lonely, I just look at these wall and recall those wonderful times of my children's wonder years.

Now based in the USA after having had an experience of Russian life. Cory used to be a very good friend I met while we were staying in Quezon City. We were  concessionaire neighbors. Her children were friends with mine. Her partner is our Concessionaire Association President while I served as Secretary. Until the turbulent days came in. We left Q.C and there was a lull. We lost touch. But now that we have found each other again, we both promise to keep in touch as soon as she comes back from the US. Looking forward to that.

Celebrating her birthday. Cheers! She was a classmate in intermediate grades. Bold even during those early times.. speaks her mind and a real go getter. We used to go Girl Scouting and were together in one big international camping activity in Camp Gonzales, Quezon City. She used to lend me her Girl Scout uniform before I had my own. I think she owned 2, that's why. Mildred has been based in Venice, Italy for the longest time. She speaks Italian very fluently and remains one hell of an adorable woman. From her fb profile I grabbed this piece of info:

She would have been a daughter-in-law. But God had other plans for her and for me. I am so glad that she is well with her family. Another phase in her mothering life -- dedicating Evo's future to the Lord. How great is the Lord for Mom's like Melody. I am very sure she will be a very good mother.

Zaldy is a nephew. He plus family have been based in West Covina in the U.S. since the '80's. Most of these guys are my relatives, all based in the United States for the longest time.