Coincidentally, as it will be for the next 2 more years, my birthday sat on Thanksgiving weekend! I was so hungover from my birthday last year, I don't remember what we did for Thanksgiving! What did we do last year? Whatever it is that we did, it must have been fun. Celebratory. This year was quite different. I decided not to celebrate my birthday nor Thanksgiving with turkey because I had an exam to prepare for. Party pooper, I know. It was a big exam for me and I needed the time to study. Instead of celebrating my 21st birthday with booze or lots of food because of the woohoo-I'm-legal-everywhere ideology, I had a nice dinner with my parents. Simple, but special. I may not have celebrated the past weekend as I did last year, but nevertheless, I am thankful for so many things from the past year. Here are a few:
1. Family. If any of you recall, my mom wasn't in Canada for my birthday last year. The last time I celebrated my birthday with both my parents present was in 2011. That was a good year. A week after my 2012 birthday, my grandfather passed away. It was a really sad time. Although it was nice to have gone home for even just a week, I wish my lolo didn't have to go so soon. I still miss him. When I think of him, I feel like crying. Now that it's almost a year since, I am thankful for the strength He has given my family, especially my grandmother. I am thankful for everyone's good health. I am thankful I got to know someone as marvellous as my grandfather.
2. Jam. In two weeks, it will be exactly one year since we last saw each other (for a week). I am thankful for all the strength, love, and patience we have in our relationship. On our 43rd month next week, I am thankful that we've come this far. She is amazing. My life is amazing because of her.
3. Friends. Some grow apart, some grow closer. I am thankful for every friendship. I am thankful for the opportunities I am given to reconnect with people. I am also thankful for new acquaintances and people I met over the internet who support me in everything I do.
4. Puberty. Yes, this is on the list. Have you seen me before? Have you seen how hideous I used to look? Not saying that I am attractive now, but I look less gusgusin (unkempt). Or I'm just fatter? Whatever, but I like me better now.
The old photos were taken only four years ago. Imagine if we go back further. It really does get better.
5. Life. Of course, life. For every opportunity to learn, share, appreciate;; for every moment of failure and success; of love and hate; I am thankful. Thank you for this life.
It is definitely a grand life: not in material, not in success, but in every blessing I am showered. My life is not my life because of me. Occasionally, I would give myself a tap on the back. There are reasons why I should be proud of myself, but it's not right to take all the credit. It is all because of everything and everyone around me that I am here today. And HIM, of course. I owe it to everyone but myself.
