Birthday Celeb with the Fam
I am officially a year older! How fast time flies; just yesterday, I was in college, having the time of my life, and excited about the real world. Now, I am adulting and almost entering a new decade in my life. Many things have changed, a lot has happened over the years, and I have had some challenges that put me at my lowest, but one thing remains the same: the inner child in me is still alive (this is entirely different from being childish, ha). It is one of the things I'm thankful for on my special day. I would have been different had I lost that part of my being.
When I was younger, I spent a lot of my time going out with friends and acquaintances. My birthdays were fun. I had small parties as a child that my playmates and I enjoyed. In high school, birthdays meant having a few drinks and shopping. In college, I received gifts and surprises from my friends and roommates. When I was employed, eating out was always the best option.
Through those years, we'd also have dinner as a family, and this year was no different, except that it hit a bit differently. Nabilisan ako sa oras bigla.
It was a busy weekday, so we decided to eat at the nearby hotpot restaurant that my parents would frequent. Since there were many customers at that time, we had to wait. As we were chatting and taking photos, I could not help but look at my mom and dad, who both wear glasses now and have some gray hair growing. They still look great. I like how they let themselves age gracefully and still have the same smiles on their faces as if I was a little girl celebrating my 7th birthday. I think it was their genuine smiles that made me feel a bit emotional. With every year that passed, they were there to provide guidance and were just happy to see me grow as a woman.
With every moment of awareness that my parents are not getting any younger (such as these times), I feel kind of sentimental but thankful. I'm glad we were able to come home and visit them. Not everyone can dine with their parents on their birthday for various reasons, so the moment was something I did not want to take for granted.
Of course, I have the same gratitude for seeing my sister. We used to fight a lot as little kids (over the silliest things like the remote or clothes), but now we're close and even have secret codes lol. Lastly, thanks to my husband, who is now my immediate family since we have become a single unit.
In a nutshell, I am happy that everyone I love was with me physically on my special day. I'll be catching up with a few people soon. Alam nyo naman ngayon sa dami ng mga nangyayari, di mo na talaga masasabi kung anong pwede mangyari mamaya o bukas. Sulitin nalang.
Now, on a lighter note, thanks for visiting the blog! I'm glad to have you here. Virtual hugs for you (or a high five if you’re not a hugger). Have a great week ahead, and happy holidays!
Happy Birthday to Me! Hehehe. And Happy Birthday to all the December birthday celebrants out there. My auntie Emily and friend Hapy celebrated their birthdays this month as well. Hello sa ibang mga ka-Decembabies (Decembabies talaga?! mapilit lang lol).