So another birthday has come and gone. This one is different from the past few years. I’ve always had a party during my birthday for the past so many years to celebrate another year that has passed.
This year I didn’t feel like having a party. In fact I wasn’t really in the mood for any celebration. Turns out this year was one that was simple and yet quite a great birthday.
I woke up at 6 a.m. I couldn’t really sleep much since my body clock is screwed up. I had to be up early since apart from being my birthday I was going to be a godparent to my friends’ twin boys.
Allan and Gay, two good friends of mine have been blessed with twin boys. Emilio and Javier. They chose me to be one of their godparents. It was quite an honor for me since they are close friends of mine and it was my first time to be a godparent to twins.
The baptism ceremony went well. The baptistery was packed with family and friends to witness the welcoming of Emilio and Javier to the Christian world.
After the ceremony I stayed behind and went to mass. I had not had a chance to go and hear mass yet so I heard mass. After I mass my aides and I went to light candles and say a prayer. As we did, a man approached us and asked about my condition. He then after offered to say a prayer for me. I humbly accepted. After the prayer we spoke for a while. He said that something inside just compelled him to ask if he could pray for my healing. I told him it was much appreciated. Especially since it was my birthday and that his prayers were a nice gift.
I proceeded to the reception of the baptism after mass. I was able to spend a nice afternoon talking to some old friends that I have not seen in awhile. I saw Mai and Allan (newly weds, congrats guys), Pia (an old friend from awhile back) as well as others. I also had the pleasure of meeting Gay’s sister Joy for the first time. She’s an oncologist practicing in a hospital near where I live.
Dinner with my family followed after the baptism reception. My brother’s gift to me was a wonderful home cooked meal consisting of pumpkin soup, salad, roast chicken, pommes frites, mac and cheese and French green beans. Yum! Dessert was special cupcakes and a chocolate birthday cake courtesy of Camille (my aunt whom I treat like a cousin coz she’s younger than me) and Cha (good friend of mine). We were joined by Nes and Trina, two of the closest friends I have.
It was a simple dinner filled with laughter and stories. Candles were blown, cake was eaten, wine was drank, everyone was happy. It was an intimate dinner.
On another note, I was touched by the simple gesture that my newest aide, Anthony made. He gave me a small statue of the Mother Mary and told me that he had it blessed. He said it wasn’t expensive but it was full of his prayers for me. I was touched. I don’t ask for anything from my aides so this one was really appreciated.
It was a wonderful birthday. Simple but filled with good things.
Thank God for 33 years of life. Thank you for the gift of family and friends. Thank you for all the well wishes and warm greetings. I feel blessed to be living my life.