George Burns said, "By the time you're eighty years old you've learned everything. You only have to remember it."
From my grandmother's funny life stories and time-tested advice, I'm 100% sure she has learned everything in life. She does not only remember those life lessons but share her experiences with others as well. Her tender loving care and dual role as my grandmother and mother is a proof she did well. My wish for her is good health and a happy heart!
It's not the big things but the little things that can mean enoughTurning eighty years old is a big deal. I wanted to give my grandmother a special celebration. However, it was difficult to bring all our family together since we live in different places. Some of our relatives live in another city far away or in another country. Plus, my grandmother told us that just because she's turning 80 does not mean it has to be grand. She only wants to be with the people she loves
My grandmother isn't the type who enjoys grand celebrations unless it's a wedding. She has a point. You'll definitely enjoy your special day with the people you love and loves you back. So my ninong and I decided to lift her frustrations away before her actual birthday.
People in her age are usually worried about everything that concerns their love ones. In her case, what worries her are her son (my ninong) and yours truly. She wants to make sure the roof over our heads will be there even if she's gone.
In a span of nine months, we finished our small projects such as fixing the garage, repainting kitchen walls, and fixing roofs. We even added new orchids for her garden. Slowly, her frustrations were lifted due to the assurance that we will be safe no matter how strong the wind or typhoon is. Apart from that, we constantly bring her to different restaurants in the metro and a short vacation in her hometown. Simple pleasures are what she likes.
Simple pleasures, simple lessonsA week before her birthday, I offered a thanksgiving mass. So on her 80th birthday, we first went to church to hear the first mass. She taught me this at a young age. Always give thanks to God. Do it early in the morning when you wake up.
For her special birthday lunch, we took her to a restaurant that she would enjoy. Unfortunately, we weren't able to go to the first or the second choice. But the third choice was the perfect fit!
Since 1952, Barrio Fiesta continues to deliver authentic Filipino cuisine to its customers. My grandmother loves Filipino food and Barrio Fiesta is a perfect choice. The food is deliciously Pinoy while the restaurant itself emits a homey ambiance making her birthday lunch a remarkable one.
From Quezon City, we travelled to Tiendesitas. We parked in front of Hogalbi Korean Grill Restaurant. It was one hot afternoon that we decided to buy Korean ice cream at Hogalbi. Grandmother isn't a fan of it but once in a while she tries new things. Then off to a new shopping experience at Tiendesitas!
We searched for antiques, furniture, handicrafts, native food, and clothes. We did not buy many things just a few clothes and Pinoy delicacies. There's this furniture that caught her eye; however, she wasn't sure what to do it with and decided not to buy.
That's one of the many lessons she taught me. Not because you have the budget or if you like something does not mean you should buy it or it's meant for you. Sometimes you have to stop and think if you really need it. If yes, go ahead. If no, then don't waste that "something" as it may be of bigger value to other people. You may just be wasting its essence.
Lastly for dinner, we ate at home. A simple family dinner with two types of traditional Pinoy birthday food pancit (signifies long life) and cake from Red Ribbon shared with my boyfriend and a few of our employees. It was one simple but fun night. We were happy to see our delivery truck drivers and aides get excited with cake. It was their first time to eat cake from Red Ribbon.
Learning that, my grandmother decided that aside from our usual Christmas giveaway such as the Christmas ham, Spaghetti pasta, Spaghetti Sauce, and the like we should also include cake.
Christmas is a good season for any type of business. Adding cake to the giveaway is no big deal. Share your blessings and the goodness Christmas brings.
My grandmother's 80th birthday is not just about her. It's also about the people around her. I'm glad we followed her. I am pleased to have her as a grandmother and a mother.
By the way, happy grandparents' day!
