New Home

Home is where we belong. Home is where the heart is. Home sweet home.

These are some of the lines I hear about home and it's true, I feel relaxed and recharged being at home. I also knew that a house is different from a home. A house is only a structure while a home is a dwelling place where love and peace reign. It's the spirit that makes a house a home. Without it, it's only a house.

Just recently, I was able to realize one of my dreams, to build a home not for myself but for others. I've been away from home many times. So many times too that I've been blessed by the homes that welcomed me in many places I've reached. It was my longing that in my own little way, I could welcome others too in a place called home. After a couple of months, my dream was finally completed with the blessing that happened on February 13, 2010 in Baldostamon Subd., Koronadal City. It was attended by some of my officemates most especially by Sir Mon and his better half Ma'am Norma. I would like to thank him for the pictures he cordially took. Because of him, I'm able to share with you vividly what took place.

I offer this home most especially to Angelo, my nephew who's been my inspiration in putting up this peace shelter, he just turned one month old last Feb 16, may he grow God-fearing, to my parents who have been by my side since birth, who nurtured me in a simple home that gave me so much ideas, to my sisters who made me feel a unique person, to my true friends who always believed in me, to my officemates who shared joy with me and to all my relatives who made all good wishes and ultimately to our Heavenly Father who provided everything for the completion of my project. To Him be the glory forever and ever!

Then came Angelo

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I was so excited coming home this morning. I was eager to see Angelo, my first nephew who just came to this world just a week ago, last Saturday. When I left home for work last Sunday, I was anxious that the weekend will come soon. That was really my feeling. I haven't been to my destination but I wanted to go back already. There were thoughts that I wanted to file for leave of absence just to be with Angelo but that was a stupid idea I thought. I was worried when the doctor said that he will be given a dose of antibiotic because his birth was delayed for several hours. He might get infection according to the doctor. He was crying every now and then last week. It was so depressing. Nevertheless, I just prayed. In this kind of situation, I need to be strong as well as my family. I learned that in time of depression, I need to be brave to survive. When I asked my sister through text, I was relieved knowing that Angelo did well. Seeing him strong and well this morning makes me really smile. He's so cute with his dimple. His skin is fair and hairy. His nose looks like my father which is good because Papang has a high chiseled nose. His eyes look like his Daddy Roger. Mamang said his broad forehead looks like hers.

Angelo's presence gave us feeling of happiness. His cute smile amazes us. The moment he opens his eyes, it makes us wonder what he is seeing. I can always think of how miraculous life is the moment he's in my arms. With his coming, it gives us once again the opportunity to dream big and makes big plans. Giving him a name Ernesto Angelo makes his Lolo feel proud and fulfilled. Indeed, God gave Angelo to spark in us that His promise of hope never ends. Life evolves and will continue from generation to generation.