Happy Nest

There are just two things that make people happy – those that money can buy and those that are priceless. Where is your happiness coming?

Watch for bunso, Mobile for Pamangkin, Pabango for Kuya and Wireless Speaker for Sister.

Today, I spent almost half the day outside of my comfort zone for a very special purpose ( I usually save weekend for sleeping and blogging). Nope, I didn’t attend someone else’s birthday party nor dated my friends. What pushed me to brave the heat and go to the mall is because I needed to buy some pasalubong for my family. My cousin who arrived last month for a visit is going back home next week and I thought of sending some gifts to my family. Well, that’s not exactly because I wanted to, they actually asked for it and as the kind Kuya, who am I to say no. Because I love them, I gladly obliged and  I couldn’t even tell them the truth contrary to the popular belief that seems to equate OFWs to a cash bank. All told, I still managed to buy the items as requested. Never mind the ignorance (I hate shopping), never mind the price, surely when they receive these stuff, they will be very happy.

kape for mader and pader

But no one couldn’t be any happier than me, their big Kuya.  I feel like I’m Spidey, it’s my destiny to help and with such great responsibility comes the great feeling of happiness in making other people’s dreams come true. I have been supporting my family ever since I started working and that’s more than 10 years of unyielding commitment. Though there were times I have felt I wanted to give up and the load becoming too heavy to carry, at the end of the day, I realized that is just life’s worth.  Needless to say, when it comes to helping our families, nothing can be sweeter, nothing can come across and nothing is impossible. We give even if we’re nothing. We share even if there’s nothing left. And as an OFW, we believe there’s more to gain in giving, there’s respect, admiration, trust, pride and of course, lots of love and happiness, more than enough for a consolation.

When I was younger, my other siblings used to call me selfish and short of generosity. Each time I would be assigned to prepare the meals, I would count on the chicken pieces or pork slices they take to their plates. I would also count the amount of baon they pocket from our store when they go to school. They would always say I was unfair. That’s not true. Fact is, I just wanted everyone to get a fair share and I certainly knew how to value things that our parents work hard for. Now that I am little older, I bet my family's perception has taken a complete turnaround in the way they see me. To the best of my ability, I am trying to provide them beyond what’s fair and plain, my bank account will testify and my heart beats the sincerity that can never be spoken.

In 5 days, the things I bought will be in the hands of my family. I don’t expect a thank you. Just the thought of them expecting and actually getting their request is enough to fill my heart with unquantifiable volts of genuine gladness. I can only imagine the smiles on their faces. The nest will probably shake in excitement as another sibling returns the favour of being loved and cared for unconditionally. Yes, I might have flown away from where my birth nest is and far from my family, but I’ll make sure they get a more comfortable living. The things I give are my joys to receive.