Cheerful Giver, Grateful Receiver
8:59 AM.jpg)
Do you know someone who radiates so much positive vibe that it is always a pleasure to be in her company? I do. She is an aunt of my husband and we call her Auntie Mel.
Among the relatives of my husband, she is probably the one I'm closest to. I have observed the she appears to be the best friend of my mother-in-law. And because she lived close to where we used to live, my husband was informally designated by my mother-in-law to take charge of visiting Auntie Mel from time to time especially on special occasions wherein she cannot be physically present to be with her friend/cousin. In the process, I and my children became close to her in addition to my husband who unabashedly admits his long-standing love and respect for Auntie Mel since a young boy.
It was easy to understand why she is loved by so many. She epitomizes giving until it hurts and receiving with endless gratitude. For her, it is not what she gets that is important, it is about the fact that you remembered. In our surprise visits, she will literally ransack her personal belongings to find anything that she could give to my children, always...
My children began to look forward to occasions at her house because of the expected throwing of coins which they enjoyed so much. When she runs out of coins, she brings out the candies from her small home sari-sari store and throws them as well to the delight of the children. She is most happy when others are happy, especially the children.
Our visits became few and far between when we transferred to another place and when she as well transferred to another. We remained in contact because she will pass by our house in Manila whenever she had to go to the area to serve in church. But these visits also became few because she got sick. Still, she will not fail to initiate contact with us whenever her conditions permit.
Yesterday, we finally had the chance to visit her again. Like always, she was almost in tears upon seeing us , especially since my husband's family was complete including his sister and brother who also came with their respective families. There was also Mama Ising (sister of my mother-in-law) who came with her daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
Of course, there was again coin throwing. She also gave every child a crisp twenty peso bill which the children used right away to buy candies from her sari-sari store which only further amused her. We exchanged stories about each other, about the other relatives she has not seen for quite some time, and about our lives in general.
After we sang a Happy Birthday song for her, she announced that it was the happiest birthday yet of her life. As always, she was very easy to please. Her gratitude makes you feel that you have done something so enormous for her that you will go home feeling good about yourself. Auntie Mel is a cheerful giver and a grateful receiver. She will always occupy a special place in our hearts.
21 comments
It's nice to know that there are people who gives so much care and love into the world and it's good that you and your family have reciprocated the care and love given to you.
ReplyDeleteYes, people who are so giving are probably in the minority that is why they should be treasured and loved.
ReplyDeleteShe reminds me so much of my Lola. My Lola gave up her dream of going to school to provide for my mom and her siblings. That's what I love about our culture and family values. Regardless if its our immediate or extended family, the love and closeness is the same. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is so true.
ReplyDeleteThey easily shed tears but at their age all they ever want is a quality time to be with their grand kids. They are perfect photos of unconditional love.
ReplyDeleteShe is such a wonderful person that you all came to visit her on her special day. Happy Birthday to her.
ReplyDeleteThis post is touching :) Life is too short not to be grateful for what we have. Always share your love and blessings to other people. Live life. Love life!
ReplyDeleteIt shows in her smile and serene face that she's been living a life of worth and happiness. She really is aging gracefully. It's a blessing that your children have the chance of knowing her. She shows them the dignity and grace in growing old.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your Auntie Mel!
I bet she really as an awesome person to know! :)
ReplyDeleteThere are just people who are meant to stand out with their kindness.
ReplyDeleteNice to have a person who is ready to care for you. Even though you're not that strongly related, the love that she gave you surpasses everything - selfless love.
ReplyDeleteThese people need to be loved in return, even better. They deserve more than awards. :)
Thanks, Dimaks, Tatess, Yani, AJ, Marie Dee, Franc Ramon, and ventocoseuss. I'm sure Auntie Mel will be very happy to read all your messages.
ReplyDeletehappy birthday to your aunt! it's nice to know there are still some people like that. :)
ReplyDeleteIts always to have that certain someone to have in the family.
ReplyDeletePeople like your aunt is such a joy to be with, Your family is blessed to have her!
ReplyDeletebiyachessa, kathy, and lipstick.chopsticks: Yes, we indeed recognize how lucky we are to have her.
ReplyDeleteShe really looks to happy..
ReplyDeleteI see her happy smiling face in the photo. With loving people and kids around her, she will be so happy and her birthday will be memorable.
ReplyDeleteBelated Happy Birthday to your Auntie Mel! Praying for good health and more blessings to come her way.
ReplyDeleteYes, some people can really make us smile, they just have this positivity within them that radiates to all. This is how I also remember my late grandma. She's such a "kunsintidora" to her apos, lol. And, her great grand kids (my big bro's kids) also used to ransack her sari sari store for free! Sigh, I miss my lola.
Belated Happy Birthday to your Aunt Mel. Wishing her and her family all the best.
ReplyDeleteBelated Happy Birthday to your Aunt Mel.. :) May she continue to glow and inspire the people around her.
ReplyDeleteLet us know what you think