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.

Tweet

Read more...

Fireworks Are Heavenly

I have always enjoyed fireworks shows... I was in awe when I saw my first spectacular and long fireworks show at the Showa Kinen park in Tachikawa, Tokyo in Japan. It was the summer of 2007. Then came the string of fireworks festivals in the succeeding years.

Each firework show is unique and beautiful in its own way and each never ceases to bring home that feeling of awe and wonder at the beauty that pyrotechniques can offer.

When we moved to Germany, I thought I would be missing out on the fireworks show but I guess I am way too favored when we found there is an annual three-day fireworks show called "Flammende Sterne" happening every summer at Scharnhauser Park in Ostfildern. Year after year, we go to the park to witness it, except for this year since we went on a summer holiday.

Since I wasn't able to watch this spectacle, I felt my summer went by incomplete. But then I saw this video shared on Facebook about a fireworks show competition held in Berlin and was again awed. I felt like I was there watching the fireworks myself. And on top of that, it was designed by Filipino contingents. I am just so happy to see it so I am sharing it here. I hope you like it.

Tweet

Read more...

A Series of Beautiful and Unfortunate Events

It was a nice fine Saturday. We wanted to go hiking again before it gets too cold for our little girl so we decided to go mountain hiking up in Nebelhorn in Oberstdorf. The drive from where we live normally takes just two hours but we got stuck in traffic due to the high volume of vehicles who also wanted to do a "last day out" before the summer break ends.  The long drive got the husband irritable. We got to our destination at around two in the afternoon. We only have at least two and half hours left for our hike before the cable cars stop running. Of course we could always hike on the way down from the peak but we also had to consider the temperature and the terrain. It is okay if it were only me and my husband... but if you are with a little girl who likes to complain if she doesn't feel like doing something, then that is another story.

The cable car of the Nebelhornbahn leaving the Gipfelstation (peak station)

We reached the peak of Nebelhorn via cable car and then hiked our way down to the next station of Höfatsblick. It was only a kilometer stretch but with the steepness and the loose stones along the trail, it took us over an hour to hike as we stopped here and there for some photos. There was also a lot to see: alpine flowers in purple, yellow and white, and the  The hike down from the peak also saw us discovering the home of marmots. We spied four marmots in total and the little went nearer the rocky formations to get a closer look.

As we were moving on towards the Bergstation, I then noticed that my sunglasses were missing.. And that's when tempers flared... It's unfortunate really so my husband had to hurry and climb back up, tracing our tracks. It was nowhere to be found. I just hope it went to better hands.

Although the trip didn't turn out as wonderful as we expected it to be, I am still thankful. For the beauty of nature that we were able to behold. For the time given to spend with one another. For the memories albeit not so good....

 

Tweet

Read more...