We can find joy in the storm

We found a way to find joy in the storm because of God.

God is here and now. He is also tomorrow. He is there in my joy and my sorrow. Most of the time, he sends his reminders through real life experiences. My miracle seed from my short trip to Boracay was Kerri's laugh.

The waves were big and strong, they punched at the shores. They kicked you from a standing position. Yet, we were there. Walking beside the sea and on a sudden impulse Kerri and Kim decided to run while laughing. Andrew picked up his slippers and followed. He was a bit far off when I too picked up mine and ran. We were screaming and laughing, the rain pelted heavily.

We left our things over a chair and ran at the waves like they had their arms opened wide just waiting for us. We ran like we were about to meet family members coming home from a long trip abroad. We ran like love waited for us on the other end, hugging us back, so strong.

And like a father who swings his child as they ran to greet him, we were pushed up into the air, we were jumping with the waves, we were playing tag, we were laughing in the storm. And as I was there enjoying it all, I turned in time to see Kerri's laugh.

The waves were dragging her back to the shore and she was pushing against it. She was looking at the sky throwing huge buckets of rain and her, and she was laughing and smiling. Her face radiated with joy and at that moment it just hit me.

We can find joy in the storm.

8/28/2016

Alzheimers

If I were to live towards the end of my life forgetting you, what worth is this heart that keeps on beating?

If I were to sleep and wake next to you everyday, yet slowly see you fade away, when does it stop?

And if I were to open my eyes, yet my limbs have stopped moving, the ceiling remains a ceiling, but my mind does not, am I still part of the living?

Reminisce

It was so long ago, I can just barely remember. Kids laughing and playing in a small play house made of straw. It was a small Nipa hut that our uncle made to be used for props in his store. It was sturdy and perfect for playtime. Our favorite game was hide-and-seek and we played it with so much dedication, our whole afternoon was spent looking for our cousins above the trees and under old stockpiled items in the yard. The 1 hectar family compound was a treasure indeed.