Allowing children to play is not a time wasted. Though I'm a disciplinarian dad, I also make sure that our kids are being kids, for I believe that they only have one childhood. I want it to be memorable for them.
There was a day that we visited our former school head, Queenie, because she had a mild stroke. She wanted us to visit her because she missed the old times. When she called us, she cried and made us feel rushed to visit her at her rented house. When we arrived at her residence, all she asked from me was to pray for her and that she wanted to receive the sacrament of healing from a priest. I told her that I would see the parish priest in the afternoon to ask about it.
The workers were almost off this time and they were finishing the back portion of the church. The church renovation is now the top priority of Fr. Cubillo before the reassignment order of the archdiocese.
The new parish office. Thanks to the parishioners and the efforts of the Cura.
After our quick visit, Jehoia and I went directly to the parish office, but unfortunately it was closed quarter to 5. I saw workers of the church who are doing renovation and painting of the walls. I asked them if Fr. Cubillo is around, but they told me that he went somewhere to celebrate a mass. We're supposed to fetch my wife from their school since they were busy preparing some papers even during the weekend, but Jehoia keeps looking at the kids park in front of the parish office.
I asked her if she wanted to play there, and she responded with a big yes. I allowed her to play the slide for a while, and she was so happy. I remembered the importance of playing with children. It can't be measured and it spreads throughout. Their happiness becomes the happiness of parents as long as it can't hurt or lead them to a bad situation. Proper guidance is needed, and it is a must from time to time in order for us not to feel regret in the future. I saw in my daughter's face the happiness that I was not able to experience during my childhood.
She played happily but still thinks of her brother. She told me that her kuya must also play there. Then I replied to her that one day they were going to play together at the park. I wish I could go back in time when I was still their age. That I will only think of happiness and not the problems. This moment made me feel good that even though I failed to feel it when I was a child, I am able to let my kids feel the happiness of a child.
After a few minutes, my daughter stopped playing and said that we needed to go to her mom and brother. She's excited to share her experience and will invite her Kuya to play at the park. A child's heart is pure, and their genuine happiness brings joy to everyone.
Thank you for reading. I hope to see you on my next blog.
Images in this post are mine unless stated otherwise.
