THANK YOU.
One of the most banal phrases, rarely spoken but when it is, it can be a very powerful and transforming one. As we’ve been taught as young children, let me take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to all those who have, in one way or another, became part of my twenty-five year journey. What was supposed to be a mundane existence has become one full of verve and enthusiasm.
Hunched in my small corner of the room, piecing each word into a “masterpiece”, it is nauseating as I look back on my journey and remember all those who’ve been part of my adventure – the ride was worth taking because of all of you. Life – a rough and challenging ride, but because of the people I’ve met along the way, my load somehow became lighter. Let this be my “piece” of gratitude to all of you.
The First F – Through Him All Things Are Possible
Surviving the first quarter of my life hadn’t been possible if it wasn’t for the Guiding Hand that saw me all through the way, in every endeavor, in every challenge, and in every triumph. Dear Lord, never once did You ever leave me on my journey, in spite of my doubts, my failures and my over-all skepticism. I now realize that during my darkest times, You were that Beacon that shone ever so brightly to guide me through the toughest of times.
Thank You, for the endless shower of blessings, the most significant of which are my family and my friends. Thank You also for giving me the strength and the resolve to push through every obstacle that I have faced. No amount of words would suffice to show You how grateful I am for everything You have given and done for me. Indeed, all things are possible through You, so as long as you have FAITH.
The Second F – Acceptance of a Prodigal Son
I used to have a very low view of my family life. I had a very capricious view of it. I was disobedient. I was hard-headed. I was stubborn. I made life more difficult than it is. I know the list could go on but Mom and Dad, you saw all through these, my flaws, my imperfections. I walked away a lot of times (not in the literal sense) but whenever I came back, you’ve always welcomed me with open arms. For that alone, I am eternally grateful.
I guess it is the very essence of a FAMILY – a place to go home to no matter how many times I stumble and failed. Mom, thank you for bearing the pain of delivering me, for breathing life into me, and for being the light of our humble home. Dad, thank you also for working hard to provide for us, for building a home and being a sturdy foundation. I may not always say this but know how much I LOVE THE BOTH OF YOU. I can exhaust all the words in the dictionary but I would never be able to find the perfect ones to convey how thankful I am for all the sacrifices you have made for me and my brother.
P.S. Thank you for never laying your hands on my brother and I. It was a miracle we never got whipped even though we both tested the limits of your patience. 😀
The Final F – The Icing on the Cake
I used to have a bland existence. That is until I’ve met people whose various tastes have added flavor to my otherwise tasteless life.
Life can be likened to a newly baked chiffon cake, plain, unexciting and without frills. However, once the icing is placed, it becomes appetizing – a delight to the eyes. The frosting wouldn’t have been as worthwhile and as exciting if it hadn’t for those who added the different levels of sweetness as it was being whisked.
Lastly, I want to thank a group of people who lightened my very dull and bland existence with various shades colors and tastes. I know I was never the easiest person to get along with nor was I the epitome of a great friend. In spite of my peculiarities and imperfections, you have accepted me into your various circles. For that alone, I thank you a hundred folds.
As we grow up, we conceive a concept of finding ones’ self. This is an idea inculcated on us, or at least an idea we have inculcated to ourselves. And as we embark on this arduous journey to self-discovery, we meet people, who will make an impact in our lives.
Some will make us stumble. Some will help us stand up. Some will make us cry while some will make us smile. Some will push us down but there are some who will push us up. There will also be those who will impart lessons so valuable that it will us equip us as we journey further in our lives. No matter, one thing is clear, every person we meet in our journey is bound to help us become better individuals, may it be from pain or from joy.
With this, I want to thank a group of people who lightened my very dull and bland existence with various shades of colors and tastes. I know I was never the easiest person to get along with nor was I the epitome of a great friend. In spite of my peculiarities and imperfections, you have accepted me. For that alone, I thank you a hundred folds my dear FRIENDS.
The Love of Life – I am Special
I was marred by many difficulties, most of which were psychological and emotional, which made me loathe my very existence. But then, as I grew up, my perspective started to be molded into a very positive one because of my faith, family and friends. These three f’s were my rock, a stronghold I have anchored myself on, especially those moments when I have lost the will to go on.
I thank all of you for making me feel special, during those times that I felt utterly useless. Thank you for loving me when I have lost all love for myself. Thank you for the patience and understanding you have all extended, especially the times that I was stubborn and testy. Thank you for making me appreciate even the most minute of things. Thank you, for everything and thank you just for being there. Your presence made all the difference.
Above all, I want to thank everyone for showing me how to love myself and that I am special, and for embracing life in spite of its imperfections and misgivings. That, I believe, was the best gift that I have ever received. “Life is good!” they say, and I truly believe that.
Twenty-five years of laughter. Twenty-five years of tears. Twenty-five years of victories. Twenty-five years of losses. So many things accomplished but yet so many more to experience. It’s been one exasperating but magical ride, and it’s about to get tougher, but I know, that with the people I have right now, I will make it through, that I will succeed, and that I will ultimately realize my life to its very full potential. Cheers to Twenty-Five years, and to all those who made it worthwhile!
Special Mention
There are just people that are so special and so rare no amount of appreciation would suffice to thank them for their impact on one’s life. To the one who has believed on my own brand of “nothing”, I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. If it hadn’t been for you, this blog wouldn’t even be possible. You’ve such a great impact that many wondrous things have started to unfold. Who’d have thought that a simple conversation on a dreary Sunday afternoon would open up various avenues, some I doubt I’d even ever take. I am forever thankful to Him for blessing me with a very special person like you. 😀
The Pine-Scented Chronicles 