For Teacher Sheila

from http://radiantsunleapingheart.wordpress.com

Before you go
Please leave instructions on how to be a bad cop
I've been a good cop for so long
I've forgotten how to be the tough one
I'm not sure if the kids in our class will respond to my stare


How many times did we say good bye?
Let me count the ways
I guess, we've just been so used to having you around
And pleasantly happy at that
We want you to know that you'll surely be missed


Do you know why it's so easy to organize your parties?
Let me tell you in on a secret
So many people love you
I merely need to say it's your thing
And they come running



Well, you've always been there for friends
You'll attend the most boring party
Finish a late meeting so you can give someone a ride
Fly off somewhere to simply offer company
And, even organize a funeral! (not mine, just so we're clear)  


Why am I writing about you, you may ask?
Because, I'm really really grateful
To have you as a mentor and then a friend
And since you're boarding the plane tomorrow
You won't have time to rant about this


Well, I didn't say
That you once told us, "You weren't loved"
110% that is, but you were loved completely and fully
And I didn't tell anyone
who we made fun of during your despedida



Ok, I think I should stop now
See you soon!

Dearest little brother

• 

  cartoon from http://.shutterstock.com

  
  I recently received a message from my youngest brother. It says:
  
  
  hi ate (older sister), we have 2 followers na (already). hahaha. http://blotbox.wordpress.com. don't follow us unless you like our posts ok.
  
  
  I didn't follow him (not yet), instead I wrote him back...
  
  Dearest little brother,
  
  

I still have fond memories of you

As a chubby little kid who would never stop eating

Until his tummy hurts

I read your blog today and I wonder,

When did you become so smart?

I saw how you battle the demons in your head

And chase away each one of them

It seemed impossible to get out of the rut you're in

But you were very determined so you came out of it with laurels on your head

How did you become so strong?

I still remember how I had to ask you to name at least one real friend

At that time, you could not even utter a name

Now, mama complains that your batallion of friends

Can ransack her one week's supply of food in a jiffy

When did you become so amiable?

I never told you, that you are one of the reason why I'm doing what I'm doing

It hurts so deep to see you struggle before

It cuts like a knife and while I keep a tough exterior I was crying inside

 I thought there was no way back, all medical books say all roads lead to a downward spiral

You proved them wrong

Of course, we were there for you

But all the credit goes to you

Because you fought hard with all the courage in your soul

You braved the storms

And you found your gift at the tail-end

I hope that you continue to nurture this

It has saved you

And now you have the antidote to redeem others

I know that the road seems bleak at this point

 Continue to follow your heart and your happily-ever-after will meet you real soon

                                                             commentary from easymeditation

Ode to my 2 Dads

Picture credits 

For my lokik (physical) and alokik (spiritual) fathers.

Thank you for calling me great even though I don't believe it (sometimes).
Papa, I would never forget what you told me when I was 12 years old.  I came home from a press conference without any medal when everyone else in our delegation collected a handful each.  And you assured me saying, "You're great Karen, you were probably just nervous during the competition".  Everytime I come to you complaining that I lost, I didn't get the grade, or my plan didn't work out, you always reminded me of how great I am (not just simply good) and you believed it with all your heart.

Baba, every single day, you uplift me.  You call me sweet child, beloved, master, princess, lucky star, jewel, flower, and all sorts of beautiful names that sometimes I still don't accept.

I heard, superman's father did the same.  He recorded and then continuously played his affirmations of him in his earth-bound rocket capsule.

I really really really appreciate our trips to the ocean.
Papa, I had fond memories of  playing in the ocean with my siblings.  It was my first experience of the unlimited.  We would keep on fetching buckets and buckets of water but it never got depleted.  Thank you for bringing us there whenever we ask for it (and even when we don't).

Baba, I never thought that there is an Ocean of Love or an Ocean of Peace.  I didn't know it is possible to go to the depths of it.

Thank you for the gifts of silence and stillness.

Thank you for loving me without strings.     
Papa and Baba, I always feel that you both love me period.  No ifs. No buts.  Just 100% pure, all-natural, unsaturated L-O-V-E.

Words can never truly express how happy and blessed I feel for having both of you in my life.  Still, here goes,  "I love you, Papa!!!  I love you, Baba!!!"