Amidst the busyness of the season, I managed to find time to pause and express myself through writing. I am not sure how, but I am just glad to somehow escape the busiest season of all for a few hours, that is! A lot has happened in the past couple of months and I wanted to share them all to everyone, but I just don’t know where to begin.
Since July, my life has been crazy! Just a week after moving houses, I had been hopping on and off planes because of work for 6 straight weeks! That has been one of the most exhausting experience of my life. When I was just about to recover, it was almost time for the housewarming party that we’d set months ago. In preparation, Orly has been spending sleepless nights on DIY projects with one goal in mind, and that was to transform our bare house to how we envisioned our home would look like, while sticking on a budget. We involved our 2 boys in the process and we have added personal flavours to give each room its own character depicting our individuality, whilst maintaining a homey atmosphere. We might have underestimated the amount of time and hard work required for each job, but at the end of it all, we were just proud and happy of what we were able to accomplish as a family; even happier when dear friends came to warm our house with their presence and well wishes! Memories that we will surely remember for the rest of our lives.
We have celebrated so many blessings that came our way this year, and picked ourselves up each time we stumbled and fell. Ending the year with so much gratitude in my heart for all that has been brings me so much joy. But before each year ends, we always get to celebrate a very special gift that has been entrusted to us – Seth, our bunsoy!
A few days before New Year’s eve 14 years ago, I gave birth to Baby Boy Barrun #2! Yes, a child is born, and I can still remember his smell and the feel of his delicate skin touching mine as the doctor laid him against my chest. That moment was just priceless! The festive mood of the holidays linked with Seth’s personality as evidenced by his appetite for fun. Keith was just 2 when Seth came into our world and being young parents, we didn’t know what to expect when one suddenly became two, but looking back, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Seth was a bubbly toddler whom Keith adores. He is a very willing hand-me-down kid, who loves to imitate his brother (and who tries to out-do him most of the time!) He is a sweet boy who loves to give and to get lots of hugs, kisses and tickles, as much as he loves to talk. We call him our ‘talking machine’. And while he was growing up from being a toddler to a primary boy, his caring personality did shine through. He can easily make friends – friendships that he values and treasures. He loves a good conversation and I am sometimes amazed at how he reads and understands what is in my heart. He is a kind, sensitive soul.
This year brought about some huge transitions for Seth. He has served his last duty as a chorister last year after 3 years of dedicating his time in the choir and has focused on his soccer. He has been training 4-5 times a week, as he pursues his dream to play professionally one day. It is a very huge commitment for all of us, especially on his part. Orly and I support him and allocate time to bring him to training and games, and every time, he makes sure he gives his 100%. Despite the massive amount of time devoted for soccer, he was able to organise himself and excel academically, and we were mighty pleased.
Earlier today, we went to a park and I was just watching them from afar. They both explored the kids’ playground while Orly was fishing. ‘Our young men are still babies!’, I said to myself, and it made me smile.
I want to end this year with 3 wishes:
For our family: that we may continue to grow together in trust and respect for each other, grateful of all the blessings that will come our way; realising that “Happiness is not what makes us grateful. It is gratefulness that makes us happy.”
For Seth: that he may continue to be focused and persevere for his dreams, while serving God and others with his talents.
For all of us: that we realise that every moment of our life is a gift.
Thank you for your company this year. You are my inspiration and I will forever be grateful. Have a blessed new year!
Donna – very well written summary to wrap up the year with immense gratitude & content!!! May god continue to shower his blessings on your family!!!!! Happy holidays!