Life must go on!

I've been very anxious lately. My mom had been admitted in the hospital twice in the last 6 months. When I was younger, I acknowledged the fact that one day my parents will be too old to take care of themselves and that I should be there for them when this happens. Despite all the mental and financial preparation, nothing prepared me enough for the real deal.

The year started on a high note and I must say, I'm starting to feel like I'm getting my life back after my srugery last year. I proclaimed that I have a great year ahead of me. Then all of a sudden, the hospitalization of my mom happened. I was caught off guard and wondered if I should put my life on hold until my mom recovers. Some days I feel guilty for finding joy in the little things, for celebrating the small wins, or for living each day as if it's any normal day in my beautiful life. But I remember in 2023 when my brother was hospitalized as well, it fell on our 4th anniversary. I had no energy to celebrate from the lack of proper sleep and all the worries that clouded my mind. The thought of spending money on dinner didn't feel right that time. I couldn't find any reason to celebrate but my boyfriend went out of his way.

He arranged everything for our simple yet meaningful anniversary celebration. He made a reservation to this restaurant where we first dined out after I gave him my precious yes years ago. This time, it was on a different branch; I think he mentioned it's the nicest branch of this restaurant. I could confirm the same when we arrived there. He picked me up after work with a big bouquet of flowers, something I wasn't expecting to receive. We had an advance celebration days prior (before my brother was rushed to the ER) so the flowers came as a huge surprise. He never failed to express his love for me. 🥺

We were welcomed with a designated table for the two of us ready with clean utensils, a side dish and a rolled white cloth used for cleaning our filthy hands.

We were then handed sturdy menu; my boyfriend and I chose different dishes but with an agreement that we'll share whatever we order. This has always been the case in our relationship! We ordered Katsu Curry with salad side dish, Spicy Beef Ramen, Gyoza and Tuna Onigiri.

We were both hungry good thing they were fast in serving our orders.

That night was like a break from all of the challenges I had on my plate. Or more like my boyfriend took the heavy plate, set it aside, asked me for a dance in a fairy-like world devoid of pain and suffering. It had been a while but I'd never forget how he made me feel that night. I never knew I was capable of experiencing happiness while in a state of deep anxiety and distress. This and all I couldn't express in writing are all translated in my facial reactions captured on camera below. They're priceless.

We were satisfied with our orders but Filipinos as we are, we made room for dessert! We got a slice of strawberry short cake. It was cold, not so sweet and very heavy. 😅

More photos below of GB and I enjoying our anniversary celebration. :)

My situation before and all the recent ones taught me a difficult lesson: you don't have to wait for things to be perfect to enjoy life. I'm writing this to remind myself today and in the coming weeks that there's no point in holding back when life hits hard. I'm sure my mother wants me to embrace all that life has to offer and I'm doing just that while making sure my mom gets the best treatment, continued medication and everything else in between for her full recovery. If you're in the same place, take each day with a grateful heart. Life ought to be lived. 🥰