Best Things in Life Are Free
Although I knew how important it was to be thankful, I learned only a few years ago the significance of it.
I’M THANKFUL FOR …
My parents: I’m thankful to be the daughter of two very loving, supportive people. My father is gone now but never forgotten and always loved. I know how much he adored me and how much my mom does, too. My parents enabled me to experience many things, regardless of how much they sometimes worried. They gave me everything they possibly could and even some things they probably couldn’t.
My friends: If I named them all individually, from wonderful acquaintances to tried and true friends, I’d have the rest of my list of 100 right there. I don’t have a large number of close friends, but I do know there are a lot of good people, near and far, who I can count on, who care about me, and who want only the best for me. I truly value my friends and will never have “enough” or too many.
Living in many places: So far, the places I’ve called home have been in Davao City, Cateel - Davao Oriental, Tanay Rizal, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles - California, and now here in Bacoor, Cavite. It’s been great, experiencing various parts of the country for more than just the length of a vacation, all different and special in their own ways.
Being able to laugh when the going gets tough.
Good health: This should probably be way at the top of the list, but I’m really not writing this in any particular order. So far, though, at age 20, I’ve never had any major—or really any—health issues. One can never know for sure what will happen in that regard, but I’m thankful that I’ve been blessed with good health. (: Salamat Po. :)
Being a Filipino / American: I’m just one lucky girl. Before, I don’t really appreciate what’s with being one, not until I experienced what life is in America. :”)
Lakes: Big lakes, small lakes, mountain lakes, lakes in the desert, shallow lakes, deep lakes. Did I mention that I love lakes?
Rivers: And streams and creeks and brooks. I love watching and hearing them go by.
The ocean: I was fortunate to grow up very close to it. I love the smell of it. I love to eat what comes out of it. I love to walk along it, wade in it, sometimes swim in and boat on it. Or just sit and stare at it. I especially love the moonlight on the water.
Facebook and Twitter: I really never thought this would be on any list of things to be thankful for (and the site really frustrates me sometimes), but I truly am glad I joined. I’ve reconnected with old friends—some of whom are better friends now than ever before—and seen it bring together what is now a very happy couple.
People who go into public service: Most certainly don’t get rich by doing so, and they often have to deal with harsh criticism. I’m just glad there are those who are willing.
Sanitation workers: I mean, can you imagine if no one did those jobs? In fact, this goes for anyone who does any job I wouldn’t or couldn’t do, because I know I benefit, directly or indirectly in some way. So doctors and nurses, police officers and accountants are included, too, along with many, many others.
Teachers: Not an easy job for not enough pay. I’m especially thankful for some of the great ones I’ve had … even though I can’t remember all their names.
Volunteers: No matter what they do. Volunteers do receive as well as give, even if it’s just the satisfaction of helping, but I sure am thankful that so many people volunteer in so many different ways.
Birds: Their sounds make me happy and so does watching them fly and flit about. I don’t know the names of most, but I sure do appreciate them, especially some of the more common birds, like ravens for one.
The kindness of strangers: I love it when someone I don’t know smiles at me or says or does something nice, just because.
My second real boyfriend: His name was Darwin, and he was (and I’m sure still is) a really nice guy. We met soon after I arrived at Tanay, Rizal. I was seventeen. I have only fond memories of him and was happy to “cross paths” online a couple of years ago to find he’s happy and doing well.
Memories: It’s fun to reminisce. I like reading my diary and looking through photos and slides, which remind me of so many details. It’s also fun to chat about “old times” with others who were there, too.
The hard times: Because they’ve made me stronger and wiser, and the good times even better.
Rainy days: I love knowing the world around me is getting watered. Rainy days are also a great excuse to curl up with a blanket and a good book.
The little things: I like the time I saw a slug taking a ride on a caterpillar’s back. I love noticing stuff like that! And I’m also thankful for the so-called “little things” people do for one another—the small gestures—like when my friend boiled extra water so he could offer me some, too. *Sweet :”>
Being sensitive: Some folks may say I’m too sensitive at times, but in a way I’m glad, because that means I’m sensitive to other people’s feelings, also. I’d rather be too sensitive than not sensitive enough.
For TODAY.
For Being Me.
Bro. Eliseo Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon, through them I’ve realized that life is so wonderful. I’ve learned to love my life, appreciate all the things that surrounds me, and live my life with a purpose.
MOST OF ALL, I AM THANKFUL BECAUSE I AM LOVED, BY MY GOD.
