It's Christmas in a few hours! Everyone here in the Philippines is busy preparing for Noche Buena. For our family, the kids wanted a simple dish. They only want dinuguan with puto (rice pudding) for noche buena! So early morning, our two lads went to the wet market with their grandma, uncle and auntie to buy veggies, fruits and look for blood and intestines of newly slaughtered hog. They have started preparing since 2 pm because Dinuguan is quite tedious to cook. And they wanted it cooked in wood so they made a temporary furnace at our backyard. Look how they enjoy their small adventure! They are cooking their dinuguan while being guided by their granny!
Because they do not want me to poke on them while they do their chores, I am able to relax and write this blog
As I said in my previous post, I do not have biological child yet. These lads are my nephews. They have younger siblings ages 14, 10 and 8. Living with us as well. All are, likewise, busy doing own duties.
I have a total of 6 nephews and 5 nieces. The two older ones are now starting to build their own families. Only visit us once in a while. One is here now with his 5 year old son. The other has work. But called last night to give her greetings. My 2 other nephews, ages 12 and 9 are in Bicol. They were supposed to come here with their granny. But cancelled after realizing their mom will be alone this Christmas. The two other nieces, ages 15 and 14, are residing a couple of houses away from us. They will be here in a while.
My siblings and I grew up without our father. He died when our youngest was 5 and I was 11. Mom had to work far. And my older brothers were forced to stop schooling and work at very young age to help her put food on the table. So, me and my younger siblings, were by ourselves most of the time.
Because we were by ourselves most of the time. And I was the oldest in the house, I have been exposed to parenting at a very young age. I saw how mom toiled to put food on the table and raise us at the same time. That was what I mimicked when I was in charge of the house. I gave my best in school and took care of my younger siblings.
I used to complain why I was born in a poor household. Now, that complaint is replaced by an overflowing gratitude. Being born in a poor household with a very diligent and loving mother, trained me and my siblings to be loving and responsible. She could have chosen to re-marry. But she focused on providing for us instead. The love, diligence and sense of responsibility shown by my mom impressed on us.
Now that we are all grown up and 3 of my siblings have their own kids, our mom's sacrifice continue to serve as our good example. We endeavor to surround our homes with love. We train the young ones and make them grow as responsible, godly and loving individuals. It is tiring. My husband (yes, with my husband, which makes me very thankful!) and I, with my youngest brother, have taken the leadership role in the family. We do most of the strategic thinking. And we are thankful that my siblings and mom are very humble and receptive. At times they do not immediately listen. But after they realize the wisdom, they willingly oblige.
Being regarded as the leader in the family I had to take extra effort and sacrifice, which my husband wholeheartedly supported . Previously, it was to choose not to have children right away so I could support the education of my younger siblings. Recently, it's the decision to shelter the 5 children of my eldest brother.
My eldest brother is a widower. He is a seafarer and always away. In the previous years 3 of his children were were with my mom. Two were with me. Now, all of them are in my house. A decision I took, with support of my husband, out of my desire to provide better discipline and guidance to the kids. And unload my mom. I don't mean to say that mom is not disciplining the kids. She is. But because she is much older now, she gets easily frustrated and exhausted. She particularly complain about handling the lad. Because of this, I gave up some personal development goals so I could focus on the kids.
Today, as I watch the kids do their things to prepare for our simple Christmas celebration, I am happy to see acts of love, generosity and godliness. A good indication that we are progressing well in disciplining them. I am, likewise, pleased to see that they growing to be individuals with simple happiness. A heart-warming sight, indeed.
