Of Daughters and Love

I told myself that I might never have time to write a blog entry this month because apparently it's a busy month. With LU 5 surprises and a reluctant tug of war with bargaining responsibilities and LU 6 finally, but not quite yet, out of my hands, my charts piling up like my laundry basket(if not for Manang Bebang's welcome presence in my household)and the distinct and wonderful pull of my daughters smile (... haist!). My world has become a kaleidoscope. My turn for the Grand Rounds Presentation is coming up and I haven't typed a single letter for my protocol. I feel like I'm walking on air. I feel like my life is a handful of M&Ms, vividly colorful and slipping through my fingers and I couldn't do anything to stop them from falling to the floor one by one because I'm just too mesmerized by them being in my hands in the first place.

But, Promise is my peace. She is the reason for all of this.

We may not look alike. People keep saying so. But I think she and I could be more alike than what people think...



I'm the one on the left. We're wearing the same dress. And I think we have the same opinion of it judging from the looks on our faces. :)

But anyway, writing is just a release. My free association.
Recently there was trouble in paradise. Always brewing... Like Barako coffee. And my friend Yin posted an essay that I particularly liked. I hope she doesn't mind my reposting it. :)

...an instruction on Love from Barb Upham

Love takes time.
It needs a history...of giving and receiving, of laughing and crying.



Love never promises instant gratification, only ultimate fulfillment.
It belongs to those who can reach beyond themselves...
To whom giving is more important than receiving.



Love means believing in someone, in something.
It supposes a willingness to struggle, to work, to suffer and to rejoice.
Love is doing everything you can to help others build whatever dreams they have...
It involves much careful and active listening.
It is doing whatever needs to be done...
and saying whatever will promote the other's happiness, security and well-being.
Love encourages freedom of self.




It will never reject others.
It is the first to encourage...and the last to condemn.
Love is a constant journey to what the other needs.
It must be attentive, caring and open...both to what the other says,
and to what the other cannot say...
Love is the hand in yours...in moments of discouragement and disappointment.
It is reliable.



Love is a choice. A commitment.
It is dedicated to growth and fulfillment of the other's true and lasting happiness.
Love is not selfish.
It doesn't attach conditions.
Love, Genuine love, is always a free gift.
It can be made to grow only by giving it away.
Love sometimes fails for lack of wisdom or abundance of weakness...
But it forgives, knowing the intentions are good.
Sometimes, love hurts...
yet, Love realizes and accepts that there will be disagreements...
and disturbing emotions.
There will be times when miles lie in between.
But Love is a commitment.
It believes.
And it endures all things.



What a Day!