Family Comes First
First and foremost, my family is everything that I have. They're my priority in everything that I do. They're my most precious jewels and it's priceless! Giving birth to 5 beautiful kids in this world is the best thing that ever happened to me. I haven't had a real family when I grew up. I felt like an abandoned child because my mother was not beside me and my grandfather entrusted me to my uncle's family. Perhaps they thought that I will be groomed to be a good individual in the near future which was in contrast to their expectations without their knowledge. My young body was trained to "hard labor" at early age and working like the other maids at home. They said that it was a form of discipline such as doing the household chores, gardening, washing the dishes, etc. That included being bullied by my 3 cousins near my age and nanny to my cousin's kids. I was young and innocent and did all my tasks without complaining. Bedtime was a great relief to me when my aching back touched my bed. At last, I can rest. My other cousins did their tasks though I do more. Oh well, anyway, I can have a fitful sleep at last! In my dreams, I often dreamt of my mother. I was thinking out loud why I didn't grow up like my cousins with their parents? I cry whenever my younger cousins bully me as their "sinagup" meaning "adopted". I was like a working student so I could go to school with free provisions. Yeah, that was it!
When I got married, I vowed never to depart my kids with me because I don't want them to experience what I've undergone during my childhood. We were gifted with 5 beautiful kids and that was one of my happiest moments. My husband and my kids became my world. My life revolve around them. At last, I have a family I call my very own! But there is no such thing as perfect marriage, right? Despite of it all, I still held on to my kids no matter what. Sad to say, I lost my eldest daughter @18, and next was my eldest @32, 5 months after my hubby's death. Life is not fair yet I still thank God for the borrowed life of my kids. It's God's will. My daughter left behind a son and now a sailor like his grandpa and happily married with 1 daughter. My eldest son left a son and he's now a graduating grade 12 student. The remaining three are also successful in their respective chosen field of profession. They call themselves as "The Last Men Standing"! What more can I say but be thankful for for all the trials and challenges that made us stronger to face whatever circumstances that lies ahead of us. My kids are my priceless jewels and I promise to myself that I will be there for them no matter what.
My Passion
I guess some of you already know my what my passions are. Anyways, I am glad to recollect them again here.
• DIYs. I love sewing, handicrafts, crocheting, cross-stitching, painting & drawing, etc. Nowadays, you call it DIYs (Do it your own). When I am not in the office, I do sewing at home. I love to sew their uniforms, costumes in school, gowns, bags, bonnets, and anything fancy. Resigning from office was never boring at home because I make the most of it. Likewise, sewing became my own "bread and butter" which added to our income.
• Gardening. Being surrounded with flowers and ornamental plants in my front yard makes a beautiful view that passersby would stop and appreciate the flowers and ornamental plants around. At the same time, my backyard is filled with root crops, fruit trees and lintels. Roaming around my garden in the morning with a cup of coffee makes my day!
• Online Writing. I am truly happy to have been a part of this proactive world online. I have been a virtual writer since 2012 to date. I have learned a lot and that includes getting scammed along the way.:) It was lesson learned but hey, getting scammed in the real world is even worst, right? Therefore, all we can do is to be vigilant in all we do.
This is all for now guys, thanks you for reaching this far. This is my entry #150 of @JustineParke's Asean Community challenge, re: "What Makes Me Happy". How about you guys, what makes you happy?