Thankful

 I was raised by my mother, Mamang to attend mass every Sunday. I remember my Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Gregorio's reminder before each Friday's class dismissal , "Go to church on Sunday".

I love going to church and dress up for God, I make sure that I arrive minutes before the celebration starts. I join the choir in singing because I know God is non-judgmental. As I plea for random and numerous requests from God, on Sundays, I make it an effort to dedicate this day for thanksgiving.

So for today, my gratitude extends to the blessings of life, love, family, safety, good health, friends and work.

I value all that I have and what is yet to come. The physical fatigue, emotional challenges, bouts of emptiness and uncertainties cannot overshadow the tiny and big gifts that are poured on me.

Thankful. Sunday. Blessings.

Hurricane Hilary

 It is a quiet, gloomy Sunday with sporadic rain shower.Forecast of a strong storm over the entire Southern California is placed. The media, state and local officials closely monitor the weather giving timely alerts and updates.

People are advised to avoid unnecessary travels, charge batteries and phones, stock up on ready to eat food and drinks and be abreast with the latest news. In my work field, clinic and dialysis schedules are adjusted by the management for the safety of patients and staff. 

On my end,I went to the groceries yesterday to buy canned black coffee, bread, and Rockit mini apples. I fueled my SUV Niknok and full charged my laptop, ipad, powerbanks and mobile phone. I also did laundry of my scrub suits. All, just in case.Better prepared than sorry.

As of this minute, so far so good. Rainfall is mild, there is no terrifying gusty winds and thunderstorm.

Bless all the first responders who are ready and geared up for practical and emergency situations. Thank You for protecting us. Thank You God.

Hurricane. SoCal. Rain.

Flashbacks

 On my first day back at the dialysis floor recently, both the beautiful and sad memories just flashed back intertwiningly, my mind and heart dive into a tunnel of emotions. How all the years from October 2015 to May 2022 just alternately pass by quick one after the other. HowI prime machines and put on a patient and I strongly felt the presence of him, he who made me felt safe and secure whenever he is also on the floor, knowing I can count on his expertise especially in cannulation. When despite the physical fatigue, his warmth and care comforted my cramped legs and pile of paperworks.And I breathed, and realize, all is now in the past, that we are not together anymore. When the new, inexperienced me blossomed in to a charge nurse to a songbird and sunshine for patients and staff to a darling, then to the broken and bruised sinner caused by the biggest heartbreak.  But slowly albeit painfully repaired and recovered.

Permanent joy. Permanent scar.

Do not be a careworn, Mitzi. 

Life offers a box of sweet chocolates.

Past. Present. Future.