I recently went on this gratefulness trip that made me remember the many amazing things I've experienced in my life. It's funny how sometimes we forget about the good stuff when life gets tough and we're overwhelmed with fear and insecurities. That's exactly how it was for me when I was dealing with the pressure of finding a job in NY and trying to excel at work. (Read about it here Finding Ground)
As I reflect, it's astonishing how I responded to uncertainty with so much fear and resistance. I used to handle ambiguity with curiosity and joy, but somehow I had lost that along the way (happy to share that I’m relearning that power).
But yeah, some of the most vivid experiences I have include chasing a bus that left me in the border of Cambodia and Vietnam. I took a bathroom break and when I came out, the bus had bailed on me! But the folks at the restaurant were so nice and in a heartbeat, without even thinking, they hooked me up with a motorcycle and we went on a chase after the bus. It’s crazy how I did not feel fear during that time, I pretended I was mad at the driver :D.
In another time I ended up on the forbidden (*rebels) side of an island in Peru. This time I panicked, since there were no hotels in that tiny island and I was on the last tour boat. But thank my trusty guardian angel, I saw a local couple at the bottom of the island and hurriedly explained my situation in broken Spanish and mainly hand gestures. They slapped a motor on their tiny wooden boat, and we raced after the main boat, it was a teeny-weeny bit embarrassing when I jumped on the big boat.
And last but not the least, that time we got detained in Hong Kong, my very own "locked-up abroad" story. It was a wild ride, there were a lot of things happening at the same time and a lot of decisions needed to be made but I’m proud with how calmly and gracefully I handled it. I made some calls and we were able to get bail. I ended up staying in Hong Kong for a few more days and explored the city like we were on a vacation.
But enough about me, let's talk about my dad. He's been going through a rough patch lately with his business and family matters. During these difficult times, my wish for him is to remember all the amazing things he has done and the love he has given to others.
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| Momi and Dadi enjoying jazz at a rooftop in NY |
I wish he remembers that he is exceptional at what he does that one of the people he once looked up to is now his business partner.
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| Ground breaking of his 2nd ice plant, this time with his partner. That's his happiest face, I wish he wears more of that |
I want him to remember that whenever he’s presented the chance to take, he chose to give because he loves his family.
I want him to know that his father would be incredibly proud of his accomplishments and that person he is and the same way that Nanay is proud of him. The same way my mom and us kids are proud and grateful for him.
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| Walking around Cape May |
I know there may be days when he feels down. I believe that remembering the beautiful moments in life and being grateful for them can make a world of difference. So, here's to hoping and praying that my dad is filled with gratitude and surrounded by love from everyone around him. He deserves all the good things in the world. Love you, dadi!
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| Christmas 2022 |
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| My parents' friends chilling in Central Park I'm so thankful they have a really good support system |
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