Twenty-second Letter to Sofia

Dearest Sofia,

Merry Christmas, my darling! I wish you were here to see the lights and to hear the sounds of Christmas. You would have loved this time of year, just like Mommy does. Do you know that it's my favorite time? It's during this time when Mommy and Daddy got married and it's also during this time when we first learned you were growing inside me! Christmas became more magical that year.  We were so happy and so filled with hope. How I wish I could bring back those moments when you were here and probably do some things differently, so that that this time, you could stay.

I have been in toy stores thrice this month. During those times I saw toys I would have bought for you...so many cute toys you would have loved!

Daddy and I always think of you, always talk about you. We often make up conversations where you are included. Daddy always tries to imagine how you would probably react and how you would probably try to defend him every time he feels I am being unfair to him.  It's funny sometimes. Anyone who overhears our conversation would surely think you're alive. In a way, you still are and forever will be in the hearts of those who love you best-- Mommy, Daddy and Kuya.

I love you, baby.

Flying kisses to Heaven.
Mommy

Celebrating Four Years of Happy-Ever-After

Four years have passed since Ruel and I started our happy-ever-after.  Our marriage, like most marriages, is far from perfect.  In those four years we have had our share of petty quarrels, the ups and downs that married people usually experience and the roller-coaster ride of emotions that couples having trouble conceiving usually feel.  It's been just four years and we already have three angels in Heaven. It's been  a hard four years, yes.  But generally, we have been happy.  There are a lot to be thankful for and to be celebrated.

We celebrated our wedding anniversary on the 2nd of December.  We initially promised to have a yearly celebration in the city where we were wed but I could not leave school last Friday due to the fact that another teacher in my area resigned from work and it would have been harder for the school if I filed a leave of absence.  

We had a simple dinner after school instead.

We went to Tagaytay the next day (the day after our wedding anniversary) to have a proper celebration.  And to me, a proper celebration will and should always include gazing at the Taal Volcano and its surrounding lake, and going to the the church where we were married.

Lunch buffet at the Veranda, Taal Vista Hotel

Four years, three angel babies and ten pounds heavier , here we are!

This is the church where we were wed, less the white building in the background.

We went back to the church to pray for more happy and healthy years together, for a healthy and normal baby and to be more financially stable.


And while we were on our way home,  we saw this rainbow.....I took it as a sign of HOPE, a sign of God's promise.

I look forward to a happier year, with many beautiful surprises and answered prayers, to a brighter future and to many more happy wedding anniversaries.

God is good all the time!