The Shape Of You

Two Sundays ago, we received a very unexpected news. A news that my father in law suddenly collapsed and was critical in the hospital. My husband had to fly immediately to the Philippines but my mother in law told me that it was the same case as Uncle Nilo's. Tatay has always had hypertension and was diligent in monitoring his BP and was very careful with what he eats. He refused however to take his maintenance medication because he felt his BP would worsen/shoot up if he failed or missed a day to take them. But then it was too late for that... :(

Tatay passed away last Tuesday due to high blood pressure aneurysm. What it is, and how it can be diagnosed and prevented you can find here.

It was such a sad and bitter day for us, especially to his two children who are both based abroad: my husband who is Germany-based and his brother who is UK-based. I guess it must have been a very long journey for my husband. I honestly wished we could be with him when he flew to the Philippines or that my brother in law can also fly back home to see Tatay for the last time but certain circumstances prevented us from doing so.

My heart still grieves at losing him... It was barely five months when we last saw him. He was always so happy and always laughing, making jokes and always tickling our little girl. Making sure his granddaughter is comfortable and happy. He always puts the needs of his family first before his needs.

Now he is gone. Finally resting and no longer feeling pain. I pray that you are now resting in peace Tatay. And I pray that the Lord will comfort the loved ones you have left behind: Nanay (my mother in law), Kuya Leo and Ate Ann and Luis, Hanhan and us.

Coincidentally, I found this song from Jewel entitled "In The Shape Of You" which perfectly describes how I felt with your passing away... I am thankful for the time given me to get to know you more. Thank you for everything... Coming home to the Philippines will never be the same again without your laughter. :( Indeed, there's a hole in our hearts in the shape of you.

Your passing was unexpected Tatay... May you find rest in the Lord, our God.

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Nada Te Turbe

I learned about this song from an aunt friend here in Germany. I haven't heard of this one before so I looked it up on YouTube as she suggested. The song is in the form of a chant, that is why it is famous among the younger generation.

Song:

Nada te turbe, nada t’espante

Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta

Nada te turbe, nada t’espante

Solo Dios basta.

Translation:

Let nothing disturb you, Nothing dismay you

All things pass, but God never changes

Whoever has God lacks nothing

If you have only God, you have more than enough.

-Teresa of Avila 1515 – 1582-

The choir is composed of monks of the Taizé Community, an ecumenical Christian monastic order in Taizé, Saône-et-Loire, Burgundy, France. It is composed of about 100 brothers who come from Protestant and Catholic traditions. The brothers come from about 30 countries across the world.[1] The monastic order has a strong devotion to peace and justice through prayer and meditation. It was founded in 1940 by Brother Roger Schutz.

The community has become one of the world's most important sites of Christian pilgrimage. Over 100,000 young people from around the world make pilgrimages to Taizé each year for prayer, Bible study, sharing, and communal work. Through the community's ecumenical outlook, they are encouraged to live in the spirit of kindness, simplicity and reconciliation.

Perhaps hubby and I can visit one of these days. Have a good weekend everyone!

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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You're Still You

Like Josh Groban? Then you must be familiar with the song You're Still You. This song goes out to those who choose to love despite the imperfections, and to those who are yearning to be loved unconditionally. 

Through the darkness,
I can see your light
And you will always shine
And I can feel your heart in mine
Your face I've memorized
I idolize just you

I look up to
Everything you are
In my eyes you do no wrong
I've loved you for so long
And after all is said and done
You're still you
After all
You're still you

You walk past me
I can feel your pain
Time changes everything
One truth always stays the same
You're still you
After all
You're still you

I look up to
Everything you are
In my eyes you do no wrong
And I believe in you
Although you never asked me to
I will remember you
And what life put you through

And in this cruel and lonely world
I found one love
You're still you
After all
You're still you

It's such a beautiful sweet sad song isn't it? Indeed true love doesn't count mistakes, it is more about acceptance and seeing beyond the flaws and being forgiving. Just like The One who has remained faithful to us despite our flaws, our imperfections, our sinfulness.

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Like A Sunflower

I recently came back from a one-week trip in France and I find the French countryside very appealing, with its endless fields of wheat and sunflowers and vineyards. Unfortunately for me, we didn't get to stay at the countryside so that I can only content myself with watching the landscape and taking some snaps when I can.

Each time we pass by sunflower fields on our road trips, I always remember this song that goes like this:

Like a sunflower that follows Every moment of the sun, So I turn towards You, to follow You my God. In simplicity, charity I follow (2) In simplicity, honesty I follow (2) In simplicity, fidelity I follow (2)

Are you familiar with this song? It's kind of a spiritual song but it's simplicity allows one to learn it quite easily. I always find sunflowers to be cheerful, with its golden yellow color giving me a feeling of happiness.

And as you may all know, sunflowers have many uses. The seeds are mainly extracted for its edible oil. The seeds are also used as cereals, salad toppers and other culinary uses. It is also a good source of Vitamin E. Did you know that one serving of oil roasted sunflower seeds provides an individual with up to 76% of the daily requirement? Yes, it provides that much vitamin E. Aside from that, it is also a good source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and plenty of other healthy benefits. It is also a good source of fiber so if you are having problems with your bowel movement, you can munch on those yummy sunflower seeds for a hearty snack!

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