MORE REASONS TO SMILE.....

Last Friday....I and my wife went to school to enroll our 3 kids, we were late by a few days, because I was sick and my wife couldn't leave the house as well. So it was due to the courtesy of several people that we were able to enroll quite easily, Miss Carol, who's always very accommodating, and the teachers who were helping at the Registrar's Office, in particular, my oldest daughter Nicole's Chinese teachers. After helping us, they had these kind words to say to us...."We are attracted by your relationship and we admire it...we see you at the chapel and at school together." We just smiled and said thank you so very much!

As we were leaving school, I put my arms on her shoulders, and we said, "We may not be rich, but to have some people admire our relationship and our family, is not only flattering, it is most humbling!"

For the past 2 weeks, today, still included, I have had a hard time with my health, particularly, problems with my teeth, which has aggravated my cough. I couldn't eat for more than a week. I pitied my wife , as aside from cooking and doing everything for the family, she also racks her brain to find me something I could eat, that would not hurt my teeth....like making soup and soft food.....then she would also buy cake for me.

The other person that I really admire, is my 84 year old dad who's the one helping my wife in the kitchen. My mom and my children do their share as well, but it has been my father who has worked in tandem with my wife in the kitchen....Their relationship has improved by leaps and bounds, and I can only feel more blessed by it.

Sometimes I expect, at least, words of concern from people I deeply care for, and when they don't come, I am genuinely hurt, but then I only have to look at the people who have shown deep love for me, like my beautiful wife, my sweet kids and my wonderful parents....then there are my friends here at FB who have continued to pray for me and for my family, and have sent messages with warm words of concern and inspiration.

Then at work, I was still feeling weak, and in pain, but I needed to work for that 2 nights, then when I got there....well, let's just say, that after a few hours I was beginning to predict the worst, only to be saved and helped by other people, from whom I did not expect too much.

I have learned, that apart from God, I should not expect anything from anyone...so I am not hurt or disappointed......and then when the beautiful words and gestures come, I am blown away by the kindness and the generosity.

At any given time, I have had so many things on my mind, problems, quite a lot of them, but I still manage a sincere smile because I am never too boorish, too depressed or too arrogant, to realize that I have been so blessed by God....He has surrounded me with my loving wife, Dinah, who continues to sacrifice for me, the sweetest kids who don't ask for too much, and great parents who continue to love me and show concern for me....then I have warm relatives, old friends, batch mates, and new friends here at FB who take the time to read my posts and say a few lovely words as well......then there are my kid's teachers, not only Mary Nicole's Chinese Teachers, but her English teachers, and Niccolo's teachers as well, and Lizzie's teachers too...for their wonderful concern and comments.

So while there are several reasons to be depressed or even angry at times, there are infinitely more reasons to be happy and to smile!

Have a blessed Sunday my friends!