Happy birthday Daddy

This morning I woke up crying hysterically of course. It felt so weird waking up without calling my Dad or knowing that I wont be seeing him to greet him, "Happy birthday, Da!" I realized how much I missed him even more. Then I get a text from my Ate that Iyah and my kuya will be coming with to visit my Dad at the Chapel. She's on her way to pick me up now. immediately, I felt so much better. I'm looking forward to hanging out with my family today and tonight to celebrate remembering my Dad. I remember last year during this time when we all celebrated his birthday. We had all of his favorite food, Japanese and some Filipino food. He cried when we sung him the happy birthday song. Oh gosh. When he passed away I found this printed out paper, designed of course because my Dad was always so artistic. He didn't even mention that he typed it up. I just found it in one of his folders like he wanted someone to find it and thank god I did. His message really helps me to "Move Forward"...


"Focus, control your emotions and stay calm. Involve yourself in recreational and social activities. Avoid persons and people who think and care only of their own selfish gains and ambitions. Beware of hypocrites who never admit their own mistakes. Think of your own life and future. Work for the best but be contented with what you may have as you go through life. (This is what he always preached to me-- I have become the person I am because of these words) Do not expect from others but do what you could for them if they would ever need help. Move forward to the future and never let regret, pain or sorrow put you down. A brighter light will shine upon you. Always have patience. Most of all, trust in God. Accept heartfully what he has given you. There will be more trials and sacrifices. Walk with Jesus and you will never be alone. Move forward" -Junn M

I don't even know when he wrote this or if he purposely left it behind for his kids. My Dad was always a realist and saw many things in people. I am so much like him. I miss him so much. Da, Happy birthday. I feel you in my heart all the time and miss you everyday. Today, i remember you the most, I love you.

Peace out Europe

You can't really capture the immensity of Rome. From magnificient marble sculptures, paintings, architectures to wide open spaces where people congregate around incredible fountains... We definitely saved the best for last. Italy has so much variety from it's people, food and cities. It is so rich in art, culture, history and my favorite.. religion. I loved hearing the church bells ringing. There's a certain order being inside the churches that reminds me of when I was a kid. It took me back to going to church with my family and enjoying the silence while people get together to pray. It is nice to have a common religion that everyone can relate to. The weather has been the best from what I experienced. The Italians are accomodating, family oriented and welcoming. Mady was swept away by so many Italians. We definitely felt the "It's Amore" vibe. Farmer's markets aren't just on Sundays and the local deli/grocery shops seem to know the regulars. Today we will be flying back home. These last 28 days have gone by too fast. We have so many treasured memories that we get to share and keep from this endless fascinating continent. The experience that we've had has been rich with humanity and so much history. I enjoyed the beautiful sceneries of the countryside and beaches to the simpleness of quaint little neighborhoods with the two people I love being with the most. It has been the most fulfilling and captivating experience that I am sure Edmundo and I will remember for years to come. Mady will see the pictures and I know she will be impressed. We are so blessed to have each other. Mady, Mundo and I feel safe and at peace with everything no matter where we travel to. I am truly lucky to have my own family and to be able to share our world with different people in many different places. Europe has been so good to us. I still pinch myself everyday I wake up knowing this and I only have a source that I can continue to be thankful to and praise each day. God is good.

Florence

Picturesque, country side and best of all.. SHOPPING! Bargaining was fun. It looks like we will be needing another check in bag. We're in Rome now finishing up our week. I think Mundo is traumatized by my shopping. We didn't even have time to go to the museums and check out the original David. Just walking around checking out all of the monuments were cool. We took the hop on hop off bus in order to get the most out of our days. We were only right around the corner from the Duomo. It was nice to see it each day. I figured we'll be doing a lot of sighseeing in Rome so we enjoyed the countryside and I took advantage of all the bargain deals I could find. I never enjoyed shopping so much. My eyes wandered around each window.I will miss the smell of leather everywhere. Haha.

Mediterranean Cruise