Being a Proud Father

          Just recently, me and my wife received the result of the 1st Grading Test of our only child, Kurt Kristoff, and we were both delighted on his achievement at that early stage. Kurt now is 3 yrs. old and 6 months and he is enjoying his time in school. Comparing to my early days when I was at his age, I could not even remember what I did at that age.

          But Kurt, seemingly enjoying the presence of the other kids in school, continues to be attentive on his time in school. At first, when his Lola Miguela shared with us that during their exams day, Kurt was the first one who submitted his test paper, I soundlessly told myself that maybe, he didn't have any more answers to the test.

          Me and my wife were both amused by this but, when we heard the news from his proud Lola again yesterday about his performance, then I again silently told myself that Kurt is such a talented and intelligent kid. How I feel so proud of him and I know it goes the same with his mom, Yanyan. I think one of those treasured moments of being a dad and a parent is when our kids perform well in whatever endeavour they are in. 

          On the other hand, I constantly told myself and my wife that we will refrain from making any demands on our kid, Kurt, so that he will not be stressed from it. I reckon it is  but fitting for them to grow in an independent way and really chooses things which are of their standards. 

By the way, he has 3 subjects for this grading and for the 2 (Math and Science), he received a perfect score while the remaining one, Language, he got 96. Congrats Kurt.....job well done! 

   
                             


                                      

Investing In One's Life

          Life is such a wonderful journey. And everything that we do everyday connects with each other thus it is much better to realise how much we need to be in control of our own life. Controlling it doesn't mean somehow to dictate all of its activities but it is rather obeying then and participating in all its owner's plans for us.

photo credit: Ice Climbers on Frozen Waterfall - Johnston Canyon via photopin (license)

          Life is such a personal investment....you make every kind of investment. You invest in your time and effort in trying to cultivate your relationship with others. Not only then that you make your own financial planning but somehow, it is more of giving a constant positive directions to your life. 

          Go out then and make progress to your life....make each day an avenue to grow in all aspects of your life. Moreover, be an instrument for others to grow positively so that the radiance of goodness will continue to flow from one person to the other. 

                               

Up Where We Belong: An Inspirational Song

          To give us inspiration for the day, allow me to share with you one of my favourite songs entitled Up Where We Belong. The two famous artists for this song are Joe Cocker and the beautiful Jennifer Warnes. This has been a source of inspiration for me not only because of the mastery of these two artists but the lyrics of the song itself. Personally, they were so moving and to let you feel also how these lyrics could impact our lives, I am sharing some of them here with my own reflection:

" The road is long. There are mountains in our way. But we climb a step every day. "

No matter how challenging, what is of great consequence to us is that we are always willing to step forward regardless whether the road is rough and tough or the other way around. Learning to appreciate our daily events will allow us to grow more in a positive way.


" Love lift us up where we belong. Where the eagles cry on the mountains high." 

If we know how to love and allow ourselves to be loved by others then we are putting and adding colours to our life. There are mountains, yes, they are in place everywhere but when we are able to climb them up then we can also see a much bigger picture of what is around us.


"Some hang on to used to be. Live their lives looking behind. All we have is here and now. All our life, out there to find."

Some may find their past so painful and struggle so much to forget them but in order for them to survive on this earth, they need to learn to embrace everything, both gain and pain, as part of life. Though I know that it is easy said than done but there is no other way to grow except to accept all chapters of our life.

To view the whole song, here is the link to that excellent song:



                        video credit: (You Tube ) georgeallen35m

          Hence, it is also my wish that you can find inspiration on this great love and inspirational song. Every in our life, we always need something to lighten up our load and share its blessings.




                                           

Salute to All Mothers

             As the world celebrates and honours all mothers today, let us also remember our very own experiences with our own moms and reflect on how great this love for us. We may never have perfect moms but the very first time we came here on this earth, we already began to receive that unconditional love from them. 

          Thus allow me to share with you some quotes and experiences that our fellow brothers and sisters cherished with their moms. 

1.  " The best place to cry is on a mother's arms."- Jodi Picoult

A mother's love is everlasting. No matter what other people will tell you or say unto you but 
your mother will always shower you with the most positive things in life. 

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2. "A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she clings to us, and endeavour by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."- Washington Irving

           A mother's love for her child goes beyond any place, condition, weather, anything. She is the only person who can understand a child's tantrums, swinging moods, irrational bursts, and all other negative reactions. 

3. "All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."- Abraham Lincoln

Whatever one achieves presently is greatly influenced also by the presence and energy any mother can give.

4. " When your mother asks, " Do you want a piece of advice?' It's a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway." - Erma Bombck

          A mother could and would always makes herself available for the sake and welfare of a child. Never it happen that a child is left unattended and unloved if the mother is still present. And no matter what will be the reply of child to her affection, either positive or negative, yet she will go on and on to provide protection and education on the child. 

           Thus, let us all express our gratitude to our mothers for being there when everything seems to be out of control and goes beyond our imagination.  

Source: Julia Glum  @superjulia  j.glum@ibtimes.com