Can't Help Growing Old

Have you heard the song, “Grow Old With you” by Adam Sandler? You know, the one from the movie The Wedding Singer. That sounds sort of cool, isn’t it? I wonder if it’s really like that. For someone who will not really mind seeing you wrinkled, saggy and lined? Is there really such kind of devotion that left you blind to thinning hair and bulging stomachs. Still find you adorable even if you have frequent tantrums and grumpiness because you are aching all over? That’s a tad incredible. And sounds a bit, well, out of this world, might I add. But then, knowing me, I’m in love with love. I can believe all matters of the heart.

I wanna make you smile when you’re sad
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad…

…Oh, All I wanna do is grow with you.

So you go from first kiss to your wedding day and, later, you discovered that things are a lot different. When you were single, there’s a bitter sweet feeling when you split up. And I suppose you could say that you missed him already seconds after he left. But now that you live under one roof, and found out that he snores like a cow, you wish you live world apart. Certainly, you know that things work differently sometimes.

I’ll get your medicine when your tummy aches
Build you a fire if the furnace breaks

…Oh, it could be so nice
Growing old with you.

But here’s an interesting thought: he sticks with you at the delivery room, cleans the house a bit when you don’t and shows genuine concern when you’re sick. I remember contacting UTI and had fever that reached 40 degrees, my husband went out of his way to bring me to the doctor and left only when I’m okay. And looking back over the last several years, he would always let me get inside the bus first before he does, takes the danger side when we’re in the street and hold my hands no matter how sticky and sweaty they sometimes are. He also takes pride at our little family. He would always mention how tall my eldest gets each day and the youngest, how she looks more her mother as the days pass.

Need You
Feed You
Even let you hold the remote control…

…Oh, All I wanna do is grow with you.

I can't think about the day that I will be away from him without getting a huge lump in my throat. I pray that we will grow into greater understanding of each other. And that there is no way that any gray hair, arthritic hands or drooping eyes bags steps in the way.

A Better Year Ahead

Many people cram for their resolution. I, for one, am contemplating what to do this year. However, there are still boundaries that are yet to cross. By now, I already realized that I can’t be lower than 100 pounds not unless I suffer from eating disorder. I can’t shoot, swim, or run fast enough. I hate walking lengthy distance and don’t consider working out a happy experience. Diet? I can go as far as oat meal and cereal bars just don’t take dinner out from the schedule. So the idea of getting thin and on top form is probably reserved for next life, err, I mean next year. Others would suggest opening a business. Well why not if you have the time, money and inclination for it. As for me, I can only do it as a sideline but not really a source of living. Taking a vacation is also a good resolution. However, it should be at barest minimum, within the budget and with immediate family only.

But then, not all resolutions are difficult and stressful. You can actually make them simple. Here’s what I learned from Bo Sanchez in his recent blog:

Cut TV watching. Replaced it with reading books, playing with your children or listening to your spouse’s stories.

Be the kindest person you can be. Offer your seat and learn to put others’ needs before your own.

Listen to understand, not to reply. While it is liberating to express yourself; it is more healing to know that there are other people who are in a tougher position than you are.

Learn to save, invest and to tithe. This may not be the easiest times but saving a portion of your salary will help keep you afloat when in great financial difficulties. No matter how small. 10% or not, it’s between you and your God.

Keep dreaming. I once read that idle mind is a Satan’s workshop. So? go ahead. It will save you from catching Alzheimers.

Have a blessed year everyone!

How I Feel in Photos

"Say the word and I will sing for You
Over oceans deep, I will follow
If each star was a song
And every breath of wind, praise
It would still fail by far to say
All my heart contains" - Hillsong