GRATEFUL FOR EIGHTY YEARS

 

Eighty years. That is how old I am now. Many years ago, I thought eighty was so far away - that it was "too old." But here I am: eighty years old. I see it in my wrinkled face, my hands, and my body. My hair turns white again just weeks after being dyed!

So, how do I feel now that I am eighty?  Honestly, I still feel like the same person. I still enjoy browsing Facebook, seeing what my friends are posting, and messaging (or copy-pasting!) things I like. I still like reading and writing.

Kidding aside, I am so happy my siblings arrived in time for my birthday. Since they are based in other countries, it means the world to have them here for my 80th. We are in our twilight years, and we never know when we can all be together again.  I am also happy my niece and one of her sons who have never been to the Philippines are here also.

I have already lived longer than both of my parents. My mother was called home at 52, and my father passed away at 69. Every year I have lived beyond those ages has been a pure gift.

Someone once said I am the kind of person people see but don’t hear. That’s because, in a group, I’ve always been - and still am - the quiet one. While others talk, I listen. There were times I wanted to speak up, but because I am slow to find the words, I often didn’t get the chance to make singit, so I just let it go.

Being an introvert, I have a small circle of friends and I am glad that some of them were present during my 80th celebration.  I often joke that I am already in the “Departure Area” of life. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here to celebrate God’s love and faithfulness in my life.

My daughter, Jen, once said she wanted me to reach 100. I think that might be unlikely! After all, as Moses said in Psalm 90:10, “The length of our days is seventy years - or eighty, if we have the strength.” Now that I’ve reached 80, I know I’ve already received a ten-year bonus, and for that, I am truly thankful. But... if the Lord chooses to give me even more years  - to reach 100 - who am I to decline it?  As long as I won’t be a burden to my children and I can still stand and walk - posible ba 'yon?

I thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon me - above all, the gift of life itself. Biro ninyo, umabot ako ng 80 years! Sa aming pamilya, ako pa ang may pinakamahinang pangangatawan. And yet, by God’s grace, here I am today. 

God allowed me to experience financial & emotional struggles in the past, but because of His mercy, that chapter has closed. I am truly grateful for His constant protection and faithful provision.

I also thank God for my beautiful family. My daughters are kind, respectful, and obedient; they have never given me heartache. God has given them responsible, hardworking, and - most importantly- God-fearing husbands. Jeff and Ted, thank you for loving my daughters. I also have two grandchildren who bring me so much joy and hope. And I am blessed with a hardworking husband - imagine, at 76, he is still working!

Above all, I thank God for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Because of this precious gift, I have the assurance that when my time on earth is done, I will see my loved ones who have gone before me - my father, my mother, and my brother.

Thank you dear God, for 80 years, for all the blessings.  Without you, I am nothing.