Another week to Christmas....what a difference a year makes. The tree was up and lights twinkling, the family cuddled on the sofa, looking at the tree lights, the presents under the tree, munching on chestnuts whilst Il Divo Christmas CD played at this time a year ago.
This year??? No tree, no twinkling lights, presents or family cuddles. The recession hit us so badly that we are still picking up the pieces. What an eye opener these last few months has been. So called loving, loyal family and friends have proved that their loyalty lies......wit MONEY.
Ah well, at least I knew about this facet of these people long before this disturbing situation arose. Goes to prove that one can only rely on oneself. It also brought about a contemplation on the word 'family' or as the Chinese say, 'chan cheng'. You really find out who is who when you are down. Poor hubby is left fending for our livelihood and me feeling utter despair in this ugly situation we are in.
I thank God for giving me real family like my sister and brother, real friends like my schoolmate Cecilia and my Alpha buddies. With their encouragement and love, I have many a time pulled through a tough time.
Yeah, there is no Christmas tree, no festive feelings whatsoever....BUT at least I have a loving man who loves me for who and what I am, who lives through all my idiotic tantrums and puts up with my explosive temperament; a beautiful daughter who drives me to distracton with her mischief but warms my heart with the tender love she shows me; my siblings who listens to me ranting and raving like a lunatic; my Alpha buddies who lend me their ears and allows me to burden them with my tears......to all of you, THANKS and I love you all loads!
I guess this Christmas, the real meaning of Christmas is not lost on me like it was years ago....this special day is a celebration of the birth of Christ, our Saviour and Lord, it's about family bonding, sharing what we have with those who have not; it's about praying for peace and saying NO to wars, racism and it's about saving us. It's the reason why He was born, suffered and died on the cross.
It is also a time when I miss my parents Michael Pereira and Rose Khong. I have attached a photo of my beloved parents who sacrified so much for my siblings and I just so we would have a wonderful Christmas filled with joy and laughter, food on the table, presents under the tree and most of all, their unconditional love for us their family. Mom and Dad, I love you both and I miss you both so much that it hurts. Have a great Christmas with my Patricia and all our loved ones who have joined you in the mansion of God.
So to all, a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
My daughter Angeline....what can I say? She is my joy, the love of my life! She also gives me heart attacks! Just yesterday, she had a fall and hurt her head! Thank goodness the head wound was not serious! Only broken skin on her scalp! The amount of blood that flowed from that little cut put me into a panic! My worries were that the wound was much deeper. Sometimes I feel so helpless! I cried buckets of tears at this incident and even at the doctor's office, I was a quivering jelly mass and that 5 year old daughter of mine was a cool cat! I am so proud of her! You'd think that after a knock on the head like that, the little tyke would be tired out.....but au contrare! She was active and man! She could eat!
