Best intentions undergird love actions. They come first as molecules in the brain, followed by meticulous planning, then action.
I postponed way back in May 2022 a big trip to Alberta, Canada to see Lake Banff and magnificent bodies of water for my August 70th birthday. I had planned to celebrate quietly with my husband.
The Higher Universe saw months ahead why I had to. A death in the family happened – my husband’s sister in law, Sarah F. Delacruz – spouse to his youngest brother, CJ, was buried on August 13. That preempted any intended milestone celebration that weekend. Sarah was buried in an ecosystem of love from her family and faith community who witnessed her giving to her church and her outreach to the community, using joyful Philippine culture.
Had I had not postponed it, we would have gone back prematurely, much like in 2016, when we came back hurriedly from Quezon to bury my eldest sister, Rose.
My birthday coincides with the 2012 death of a handsome best friend of our family, Bobby Bowens – whose name is inscribed on a building in Richmond because of his selfless, untiring work to serve others and to stop the hemorrhaging of death to AIDS-HIV. He died in 2012, survived by his beautiful wife of 2 decades, Lillian and their three kids: Bryan, Leann and Larisa.
By only grieving these former earthly beings, now beautiful divine spirits, without praising present lives would not respect the divinity in me, nor others who are still here, present and alive. The Universe prevailed in its its best intentions. Besides, as Maura would say, “Never underappreciate yourself. It diminishes the God in you. Be with God, always.”
‘Grace upon grace’ was a mantra I learned from Nicole David Yalong, who calls me her fairy godmother, which tickles me to death. Just like my precious #princess2015la, 7yo, who would whisper to me: “Grandma, I cannot ever hate you. I love you very much. And for always.” She adds that always, telling me that when she graduates from college and if I am not around, she will look for me in the clouds knowing how proud I am of her. Gosh, give me more life, another 15 years more, please.
My desire not to celebrate my 70th was subsumed by the very best intentions of Mon David, Nicole David Yalong, Carlo David, and Josh Nelson, a friend to the David family to do an intimate concert in my home. I cried hearing this offer of the best gift I ever received.
The magnificence of their soulful gifts was captured by my thoughtful friends Benel Se-Liban and Nathan Glenn. As you visit my website, lotusrainier.com you can really feel the love of folks who attended. Read their posts of August 23, 2022.
I only hired a chef to cater, from the number one restaurant in Glendale, La Bella Pinseria Romana, made so by the highest quality cooking of Chef Joe. I had no platters so he lent them to me. His execution was impeccable: ribeye with truffles, branzino, cassarece with bone marrow, la bella salad, eggplant parmigiana, broccolini, and the New Calendonian blue prawns.
The generosity of my friends created such a maturity of love expressed, one to the other, in joyful songs, storytelling and gosh, the bountiful desserts, provided with such conscientious efforts of Cora Oriel, who drove 60 miles to get the best brazo de Mercedes and sans rival; Caroline Adobo who delivered despite the distance, @coriput – my daughter who made the mango passion fruit tart which disappeared in a blink of an eye – so good and refreshing; Mike Zuniga who baked 8 dozens ensaymadas on his day off, and Maura Brito who worked a double shift to help me as Ana Burog and Don Sagarbarria.
But my biggest supporter was my husband who moved chairs, set up the canopy, wash the kitchen rugs and more. It was as if I had a crew of 50 lifting me up to the heavens. He challenged us all attending that night if we might consider fundraising for social causes using the format of that evening. Friends agreed and chose Mending Kids – to support cleft palate surgeries amongst children.
Last but not least is Alan del Rosario who edited these photos, and created my most beautiful birthday dress. He too is very talented, and a very generous human being.
August 23 is now a new milestone for me, I came of divine age, feeling the live beings present, with their love for me. Thank you, God and Mama Mary! 70 is my baptism and confirmation year into this lovely circle of 27 folks. My sister Sion Ferrer and her son Brian Ferrer made that 29 later.
#loveandkindnesshasmultipliereffect