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Lifescape is ending on a high note this week with a number of celebrations to look forward to....
The week would start rather slowly as if pulling it towards the end of the week like it wants to gear up for all the forthcoming events..... Like most days when I am uninspired, I would drag myself to work going through the motions of it all.....
The music site is running smoothly and I would man my slots on designated times in the day. No major problem there as things appear to have fallen nicely into place.
ED's birthday would fall on a Thursday and my big baby wouldn't be able to go home because of an examination the following day. The girls are so responsible when it comes to school work that I am put to shame recalling my nonchalance back in my school days. The birthday celebration had to be moved in the weekend.
Friday came. Since morning, I was looking forward to the send-off party for an official I worked for who retiring by the end of this month. He was like a father to me and I will always treasure the opportunity of working on one of my most challenging tasks in this office. He would raved about the work I did and I would know it from someone else. The project also brought me and a colleague friend who worked with me on this project closer to the staff in his office. We would always be invited to special occasions like this send-off even after the project ended.
As soon as we were done with our work, we headed to the despedida bash for our beloved official. We came in the middle of the presentation of the offices managed by this official.... a colorful and vibrant extravaganza of song and dance numbers. We partook of dinner. Once we found the opportunity, my friend and I went to the official and shared some light moments. When some guests took their turns to go to him, we gave way and returned to our table. What was supposed to be a short stay turned out to be longer than planned. I and another colleague who came with us to the affair were under the weather. The plan was to make a quick getaway after hobnobbing with the boss. But that was not to be so..... as we found ourselves dancing to the music of a live band. Several attempts to 'escape' were quashed by some guests who probably wanted company on the dancefloor. Even our boss was dancing which is also part of the reason we couldn't just go. We have not seen him this light and happy. When the last of the song was played, we finally made our exit after saying goodbye to our boss. I was sleepy but was pinching myself to stay alert driving home as I dropped off my colleagues along the way.
It was dawn when I arrived home. In a few hours, I had to wake up to prepare for the golden wedding anniversary of the parents of one of my best friends.... 50 long years and counting... one of those rare and pleasant events one wouldn't want to miss. My friend is in the US and couldn't come home for the affair but she made sure that I would join her family who have been like my own parents and siblings. Their home would be our hang-out with the rest of our friends back in high school. Their house was a few meters away from school. It also helped that Nanay shared their meals with us when we hang-out at their home. Being Kapampangan, her fares were gastronomic delights.
That Saturday morning, I woke up and had breakfast with hubby and MS. I woke MD up who is the easiest companion in social events being careful not to upset her or I might go alone. I started preparing and she got up shortly, had breakfast and prepared too. Soon, we were off to the affair. It was early when we arrived at the venue. The pastries we brought were just the right fare to the coffee which the early birds like us partook while waiting for the arrival of the celebrants. After several minutes, the celebrants arrived..... stunned about the whole affair. Their children surprised them with a party of family and close friends. Nanay C...... shed tears of happiness as Tatay C...... smiled widely.
The renewal of vows followed after the brief interlude. I am always in awe attending weddings but a golden anniversary is something else and I can't help but think how many marriages would be able to stand the test of time. I was a solemn affair marked by tears of joy by family members. Theirs was story of triumph. I've seen the sacrifices of Nanay and Tatay so as to provide a good future for the children. Tatay C..... endured long separation from his family as he worked overseas to be able to provide for their needs. Nanay C...... steadfastly performed the role of mother and father all the time. The children have been brought up well; have all finished schooling and have families of their own now except for their youngest, the only boy who is entering priesthood.
I guess now is the time to reap the fruits of all their sacrifices. And the children themselves said that the celebration is but a small token for all the sacrifices of Nanay and Tatay. Close friends were crying with them as they relived the story of their lives. I was overwhelmed and probably shed a tear or two ..........
Of course, the picture-taking was necessary for posterity. The rituals of the affair made the celebration just picture-perfect . I wonder how many more golden anniversaries I will be a part of ...... When it was time to say goodbye, a rousing thunderstorm stalled MD and me. They say that rains are like tears that washes away life's cobwebs and renew the soul. If that were so, the rains that afternoon must have been heaven-sent to punctuate the celebration of a very beautiful love story that continues to inspire ...........
Sunday was my youngest brother birthday and we sent our greetings though the mobile. In the evening, we set out to the nearby Dampa market for ED's belated birthday celebration. The seafood dinner was just the perfect end to this week. After dinner, it was almost like a blur after a whirlwind week and I probably wanted it to stop as I do not like to start another work week in a few hours after my merry ride this week.......
That is how it was for me the past year and I'll be looking forward to many more celebrations in the years to come.......
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