December 31, 2022. I was supposed to prepare food and other New Year’s stuff I usually make during this time of the year but I opted not to because I was alone in the house. Madel and her kids went to Singapore and Malaysia for a brief vacation while my other grandkid was too busy with her own stuff. Had Mike and Jeff been alive, I would be the happiest mom once again while watching them partake in everything I prepared for New Year’s Eve – chicken galantina, pork jardinera, macaroni salad, crispy pata, baked macaroni, pork barbecue, etc.
Time has drastically changed leaving me with emotional and spiritual scars no amount of liniment can assuage. The chasm left by my kids cannot be filled or occupied by anybody. There were times when I just find myself shedding tears because I missed them so much. I gave away my pet dog Tootsie to a relative because I grew tired cleaning her kennel after feeding and bathing her at least twice a week. I temporarily stopped reading books and instead ran marathons on Netflix. At this point in time in my life, I have to do something that would make me smile even for a while.
As I take another stride into the sunset, there is this deep realization within me of the fact that life is really so short and no amount of material wealth can stop the running of time. That sooner or later, we will all face our creator whether we like it or not so we have to make the most out of it. We have to strive to be happy before it’s too late. Just bear in mind that happiness is a choice. We can be alone in the house with only our pets to accompany us and still be happy. Some may be in the center of the metropolis with wine, women, music and blinking neon lights and still feel sad.
As the year 2022 comes to an end, let me use this space to thank all my friends who stayed with me thru thick and thin; my relatives from near and far who took time to check if I’m doing fine; my Ninong Gener and Ninang Lita Amante who are always there for me; all my friends with special mention to Joy C. Alvero, Boyet V. Marcelo, Sandy Belarmino, Irene R. Albajera, Rose SJ Lanuza, Cristy T. Villamor, Fiscal Ante D. Gonzales, Kap. Igor Mendoza, Sps. Noriel A. and Nora M. Bicomong, Sps. Ruel C. and Aida dV. Almario, my publisher Donnah C. Aranguren, Nena E. Mallari, Venus Penaflor and Concepcion dL Aranguren.
Despite all the uncertainties and challenges that may come our way this coming 2023, let us all be hopeful that everything shall turn out right. Remember, we are all children of the Universe and we have the right to be here. Let us love one another, share our blessings to those who deserve it, and start looking at the brighter side of life. Always bear in mind that despite all the difficulties confronting us, this is still a beautiful world! HAVE A PEACEFUL AND PROSPEROUS 2023!
Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
I was born to write and I believe that’s my calling. I love writing because it brings me to the realm exclusively of mine. It is also my opinion that “immortality” can be achieved not by searching for the Holy Grail and drinking from it but by living your life worth-writing or writing something worth-reading. Since I cannot promise you a life worth-writing, I keep myself busy writing something worth-reading. I am thankful to God for giving me the talent and skill to see life in different perspectives not seen by many and the courage to share it to my readers. This first ever Tutubi Digital News Magazine is a perfect avenue to bring you the many facets of life that you can ponder upon in this time of the pandemic. Enjoy reading all the articles.
